Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Psychology
8 Dec 2025
128
3 pages
Freud's psychodynamic perspective is one of psychology's foundational theories about human behaviour and personality development. It explores how... Show more
Ever wonder why you do things without knowing exactly why? According to Freud, that's your unconscious mind at work! The psychodynamic perspective rests on two key assumptions the powerful influence of the unconscious mind on our behaviour and the critical role of early childhood experiences in shaping who we become.
Freud used an iceberg analogy to explain the mind. Just as most of an iceberg remains hidden beneath water, Freud believed the majority of our thoughts, drives, and motivations exist below our conscious awareness in the unconscious mind. This hidden mental activity constantly influences our everyday behaviours and decisions.
When unconscious urges build up, they create what Freud called psychic tension. Since these unconscious thoughts can be disturbing, we develop defense mechanisms to protect ourselves. These include sublimation (channeling urges into socially acceptable activities), reaction formation (developing a hatred for qualities we unconsciously possess), and projection (attributing our own unwanted urges to others).
Interesting insight Ever said something embarrassing that "just slipped out"? Freud would call this a "Freudian slip" (parapraxis) - an accidental glimpse into your unconscious desires and beliefs!
Have you ever had a dream so strange you couldn't explain it? Freud believed dream analysis provides a window into our unconscious mind. According to him, dreams represent unfulfilled wishes from the id (primitive desires) that break through only during sleep, often using symbolism to disguise their true meaning.
The second critical assumption of psychodynamic theory is that what happens when we're young profoundly affects us as adults. Your personality type might directly relate to problems you encountered during childhood development. This connection between early experiences and adult personality forms the cornerstone of psychodynamic therapy.
Freud controversially suggested that young children experience a form of sexual pleasure, though not in the adult sense. This developmental concept became central to his theory of personality formation and later psychological problems.
Remember this While some of Freud's ideas seem outdated today, his recognition that early childhood experiences shape adult personality remains widely accepted in modern psychology.
Imagine your personality being shaped by how well you navigate different developmental challenges. That's essentially what Freud proposed with his theory of psychosexual development - that children's pleasure shifts location throughout development, and problems during any stage can permanently affect personality.
The journey begins with the oral stage where the libido (psychic energy) focuses on the mouth. Babies find pleasure through sucking and swallowing, later through biting and chewing. Next comes the anal stage with focus shifting to the anus, where controlling bowel movements becomes a source of pleasure and potential conflict.
Between ages 3-5, children enter the phallic stage where attention centers on the genitals. During this controversial stage, Freud believed both boys and girls become attracted to their opposite-sex parent. For boys, this creates what Freud called the Oedipus complex - a subconscious attraction to their mother accompanied by jealousy toward their father.
Think critically While Freud's specific stages may seem outdated, his broader insight that development happens in predictable stages influenced many modern developmental theories you'll encounter in psychology.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
1
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Based on the Myer's Psychology Textbook
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Psychodynamic Theory, including Freud's psychosexual stages, the unconscious mind, and the tripartite personality model (id, ego, superego). This summary delves into the influence of childhood experiences on adult behavior, the Oedipus complex, and the implications for psychoanalytic therapy. Ideal for psychology students seeking a comprehensive understanding of psychodynamic principles.
PsychologyTheories of personality notes. Includes information on Freud, including his parts of personalities, theories of mind, and his psychosexual phases. Also covers basic information on the major neo-freudians & their major theories.
AP PsychologyExplore Freud's Psychodynamic Theory, focusing on the unconscious mind, the structure of personality (id, ego, superego), and psychosexual stages of development. This summary covers key concepts such as the Oedipus complex, the role of repression, and the implications of psychodynamic therapy. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand foundational theories in personality development and behavior.
PsychologySigmund Freud
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Freud's psychosexual stages, including the roles of the id, ego, and superego, and their influence on adult behavior. This summary delves into the psychodynamic approach, discussing the implications of unconscious processes, defense mechanisms, and the Oedipus and Electra complexes. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand foundational theories in psychoanalysis.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Freud's psychodynamic perspective is one of psychology's foundational theories about human behaviour and personality development. It explores how unconscious mental processes and childhood experiences shape who we are and how we behave, often in ways we don't consciously recognise.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wonder why you do things without knowing exactly why? According to Freud, that's your unconscious mind at work! The psychodynamic perspective rests on two key assumptions: the powerful influence of the unconscious mind on our behaviour and the critical role of early childhood experiences in shaping who we become.
Freud used an iceberg analogy to explain the mind. Just as most of an iceberg remains hidden beneath water, Freud believed the majority of our thoughts, drives, and motivations exist below our conscious awareness in the unconscious mind. This hidden mental activity constantly influences our everyday behaviours and decisions.
When unconscious urges build up, they create what Freud called psychic tension. Since these unconscious thoughts can be disturbing, we develop defense mechanisms to protect ourselves. These include sublimation (channeling urges into socially acceptable activities), reaction formation (developing a hatred for qualities we unconsciously possess), and projection (attributing our own unwanted urges to others).
Interesting insight: Ever said something embarrassing that "just slipped out"? Freud would call this a "Freudian slip" (parapraxis) - an accidental glimpse into your unconscious desires and beliefs!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Have you ever had a dream so strange you couldn't explain it? Freud believed dream analysis provides a window into our unconscious mind. According to him, dreams represent unfulfilled wishes from the id (primitive desires) that break through only during sleep, often using symbolism to disguise their true meaning.
The second critical assumption of psychodynamic theory is that what happens when we're young profoundly affects us as adults. Your personality type might directly relate to problems you encountered during childhood development. This connection between early experiences and adult personality forms the cornerstone of psychodynamic therapy.
Freud controversially suggested that young children experience a form of sexual pleasure, though not in the adult sense. This developmental concept became central to his theory of personality formation and later psychological problems.
Remember this: While some of Freud's ideas seem outdated today, his recognition that early childhood experiences shape adult personality remains widely accepted in modern psychology.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Imagine your personality being shaped by how well you navigate different developmental challenges. That's essentially what Freud proposed with his theory of psychosexual development - that children's pleasure shifts location throughout development, and problems during any stage can permanently affect personality.
The journey begins with the oral stage where the libido (psychic energy) focuses on the mouth. Babies find pleasure through sucking and swallowing, later through biting and chewing. Next comes the anal stage with focus shifting to the anus, where controlling bowel movements becomes a source of pleasure and potential conflict.
Between ages 3-5, children enter the phallic stage where attention centers on the genitals. During this controversial stage, Freud believed both boys and girls become attracted to their opposite-sex parent. For boys, this creates what Freud called the Oedipus complex - a subconscious attraction to their mother accompanied by jealousy toward their father.
Think critically: While Freud's specific stages may seem outdated, his broader insight that development happens in predictable stages influenced many modern developmental theories you'll encounter in psychology.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
1
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Based on the Myer's Psychology Textbook
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Psychodynamic Theory, including Freud's psychosexual stages, the unconscious mind, and the tripartite personality model (id, ego, superego). This summary delves into the influence of childhood experiences on adult behavior, the Oedipus complex, and the implications for psychoanalytic therapy. Ideal for psychology students seeking a comprehensive understanding of psychodynamic principles.
PsychologyTheories of personality notes. Includes information on Freud, including his parts of personalities, theories of mind, and his psychosexual phases. Also covers basic information on the major neo-freudians & their major theories.
AP PsychologyExplore Freud's Psychodynamic Theory, focusing on the unconscious mind, the structure of personality (id, ego, superego), and psychosexual stages of development. This summary covers key concepts such as the Oedipus complex, the role of repression, and the implications of psychodynamic therapy. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand foundational theories in personality development and behavior.
PsychologySigmund Freud
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Freud's psychosexual stages, including the roles of the id, ego, and superego, and their influence on adult behavior. This summary delves into the psychodynamic approach, discussing the implications of unconscious processes, defense mechanisms, and the Oedipus and Electra complexes. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand foundational theories in psychoanalysis.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology