Ready to tackle two major psychological approaches that'll definitely come... Show more
Psychology388 views·Updated May 21, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Key Approaches in Psychology
Zed@zknowunity
1
of 2
The Psychodynamic Approach
Ever wondered why you sometimes act in ways that surprise even yourself? The psychodynamic approach suggests it's all down to your unconscious mind - the hidden part of your brain that influences everything you do without you realising it.
Freud's famous theory breaks your personality into three parts: the id , the superego (your moral conscience that makes you feel guilty), and the ego (the referee that tries to balance them both). These develop through psychosexual stages in childhood - oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital - where conflicts can shape your adult personality.
When these parts clash, your ego uses defence mechanisms like repression (burying traumatic memories), denial (refusing to accept reality), and displacement (taking anger out on the wrong person). These happen automatically to protect you from anxiety.
Quick Exam Tip: Remember the acronym "IDE" - Id wants pleasure, Determination (ego) seeks reality, Ethics (superego) demands morality.
The approach struggles with scientific credibility since you can't exactly measure the unconscious mind in a lab. Critics like Popper argue it's pseudoscience because it can't be proven wrong. However, it's brilliant at explaining everything from mental health issues to why you accidentally called your teacher "mum" (Freudian slip, anyone?). Plus, it genuinely helped society understand psychological distress better.
2
of 2
Humanistic Psychology
Forget being controlled by unconscious forces - humanistic psychology believes you're the boss of your own life! This approach celebrates free will and argues that you have the power to choose your path, regardless of your biology or circumstances.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is like a ladder you climb towards becoming your best self. Start with basic needs (food, safety), move up to psychological needs , and eventually reach self-actualisation - basically becoming the person you're truly meant to be.
Rogers focused on the gap between your actual self and your ideal self. When these match up (congruence), you're sorted. But conditions of worth - when you only get love for behaving certain ways - can mess this up. That's why client-centred therapy offers unconditional positive regard, accepting you completely as you are.
Remember This: Humanistic = Humans have potential. It's optimistic psychology that believes in your ability to grow and change.
Whilst the therapy works well for many people, the approach gets criticism for cultural bias - its focus on individual achievement doesn't fit collectivist cultures that prioritise group needs. The biggest problem? Concepts like self-actualisation are nearly impossible to test scientifically, making it seem more like philosophy than psychology to some critics.
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Psychology388 views·Updated May 21, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Key Approaches in Psychology
Zed@zknowunity
Ready to tackle two major psychological approaches that'll definitely come up in your exams? The psychodynamic and humanistic approaches offer completely different views on what drives human behaviour - one focuses on unconscious conflicts from childhood, whilst the other celebrates... Show more
1
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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The Psychodynamic Approach
Ever wondered why you sometimes act in ways that surprise even yourself? The psychodynamic approach suggests it's all down to your unconscious mind - the hidden part of your brain that influences everything you do without you realising it.
Freud's famous theory breaks your personality into three parts: the id , the superego (your moral conscience that makes you feel guilty), and the ego (the referee that tries to balance them both). These develop through psychosexual stages in childhood - oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital - where conflicts can shape your adult personality.
When these parts clash, your ego uses defence mechanisms like repression (burying traumatic memories), denial (refusing to accept reality), and displacement (taking anger out on the wrong person). These happen automatically to protect you from anxiety.
Quick Exam Tip: Remember the acronym "IDE" - Id wants pleasure, Determination (ego) seeks reality, Ethics (superego) demands morality.
The approach struggles with scientific credibility since you can't exactly measure the unconscious mind in a lab. Critics like Popper argue it's pseudoscience because it can't be proven wrong. However, it's brilliant at explaining everything from mental health issues to why you accidentally called your teacher "mum" (Freudian slip, anyone?). Plus, it genuinely helped society understand psychological distress better.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Humanistic Psychology
Forget being controlled by unconscious forces - humanistic psychology believes you're the boss of your own life! This approach celebrates free will and argues that you have the power to choose your path, regardless of your biology or circumstances.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is like a ladder you climb towards becoming your best self. Start with basic needs (food, safety), move up to psychological needs , and eventually reach self-actualisation - basically becoming the person you're truly meant to be.
Rogers focused on the gap between your actual self and your ideal self. When these match up (congruence), you're sorted. But conditions of worth - when you only get love for behaving certain ways - can mess this up. That's why client-centred therapy offers unconditional positive regard, accepting you completely as you are.
Remember This: Humanistic = Humans have potential. It's optimistic psychology that believes in your ability to grow and change.
Whilst the therapy works well for many people, the approach gets criticism for cultural bias - its focus on individual achievement doesn't fit collectivist cultures that prioritise group needs. The biggest problem? Concepts like self-actualisation are nearly impossible to test scientifically, making it seem more like philosophy than psychology to some critics.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Humanistic Psychology
7PsychologyPsychology Approaches Overview
Comprehensive notes on key psychological approaches including the Psychodynamic and Humanistic theories. This resource covers essential concepts, evaluations, and applications, making it ideal for exam preparation. Key topics include Freud's psychosexual stages, defense mechanisms, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
129,356438
PsychologyKey Psychological Approaches
Explore essential psychological approaches for A-Level Psychology (AQA) in this comprehensive mindmap. Covering the origins of psychology, social learning theory, cognitive approach, biological approach, behaviorism, psychodynamic theory, and humanistic psychology, this resource highlights key concepts, strengths, and limitations of each approach. Ideal for exam revision and understanding foundational theories in psychology.
121,56719
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122034
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
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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 SiOS user
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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.
AnnaiOS user