Ever wondered why you act the way you do or...
Psychology370 views·Updated Jun 20, 2026·2 pagesPsychodynamic Approach: Key Assumptions Explained
ells@ellslouise07
1
of 2
Childhood Experiences and Psychosexual Development
Your personality isn't just formed randomly - according to Freud, it's heavily influenced by what happens to you as a child. He believed we all progress through specific psychosexual stages where our sexual energy (called libido) focuses on different parts of the body.
Here's the crucial bit: if things go wrong during any of these stages, you can become fixated at that particular stage. This happens in two ways - either through frustration (when your needs aren't met) or overindulgence (when your needs are more than satisfied, making you too comfortable to move forward).
Getting stuck at any stage doesn't just affect you temporarily - it shapes your entire adult personality. For instance, problems during the oral stage might lead to issues with dependency or aggression later in life, while anal stage fixations could result in obsessive or messy personality traits.
Quick Tip: Think about how some adults still bite their nails or smoke when stressed - Freud would say this shows oral stage fixation from childhood.
2
of 2
The Unconscious Mind and Defence Mechanisms
Your mind works like an iceberg - what you're aware of is just the tip floating above water. Freud divided the mind into three levels: the conscious (what you're thinking right now), the preconscious (memories you can easily recall), and the unconscious (the hidden depths that actually drive most of your behaviour).
The unconscious mind isn't logical like your conscious thoughts. Instead, it's packed with unresolved conflicts and emotional drives that you can't control directly. These hidden forces influence your actions and show up in dreams, slips of the tongue, and seemingly irrational behaviours.
When conflicts arise between different parts of your personality, your mind protects itself using ego defence mechanisms. These include repression (burying painful memories), projection (blaming others for your own feelings), displacement (taking anger out on the wrong person), and regression (acting younger than your age).
Remember: Defence mechanisms aren't necessarily bad - they help you cope with stress, but overusing them can lead to problems.
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.
Similar content
Psychologie
PädagogikMost popular content: Id, Ego, Superego
2
CriminologyIndividualistic Criminality Theories
Explore key individualistic theories of criminality, including Freud's psychodynamic theory, Bowlby's maternal deprivation, Eysenck's personality dimensions, and social learning theory. This comprehensive mindmap covers the development of criminal behavior, personality traits, and the impact of early relationships on delinquency. Ideal for criminology students seeking to understand the psychological underpinnings of crime.
122,64448
CriminologyFreud's Criminality Theory
Explore Freud's psychodynamic theory of criminality, focusing on the tripartite model of personality: id, ego, and superego. Understand how unconscious drives and early childhood experiences influence behavior and the potential for criminality. This summary provides key insights into the role of the unconscious mind and the implications of a weak superego in criminal behavior.
1289312
Most popular content in Psychology
9PsychologySocial Influence Overview
Explore key concepts in social influence, including conformity, obedience, and minority influence. This comprehensive summary covers essential studies such as Milgram's experiment, Asch's conformity tests, and the Stanford prison experiment, providing insights into the psychological mechanisms behind social behavior. Ideal for A-Level revision.
127,468319
PsychologyComprehensive Research Methods
Explore essential research methods in psychology, including experimental designs, types of experiments, observations, interviews, and ethical considerations. This summary covers key concepts such as independent and dependent variables, validity, reliability, and statistical significance, tailored for A Level AQA Psychology students.
1214,428719
PsychologyAQA A Level Sociology Research Methods
Includes all research methods
122,14368
PsychologyIssues and Debates
AQA paper 3 alevel psychology topic 9 - issues and debates - full active recall questions - notion.
121,07326
PsychologyAttachment Theory Overview
Explore key concepts of attachment theory, including Bowlby's Theory, the Strange Situation, and the role of fathers in attachment. This comprehensive summary covers maternal deprivation, secure and insecure attachments, and insights from animal studies. Ideal for AQA A-Level Psychology students seeking to understand childhood attachment dynamics.
122,87156
PsychologyBiopsychology Key Concepts
Explore essential biopsychology concepts including circadian rhythms, brain structure, and neurobiology. This comprehensive summary covers the nervous system, hormonal coordination, and the impact of brain plasticity on behavior. Ideal for AQA A Level Psychology revision.
1212,967612
PsychologyAttachment- essay plans
All the content needed to answer 16 markers in psych- attachment
1275213
PsychologyTheories of Romantic Relationships
Explore key theories and concepts in romantic relationships, including Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, and Duck's Phase Model. Understand factors affecting attraction such as self-disclosure, physical attractiveness, and the dynamics of virtual and parasocial relationships. This comprehensive summary is essential for AQA A Level Psychology students.
124,757163
PsychologyA Level AQA Biopsychology Content Mindmap
Biopsychology Content Mind Maps, DOES NOT CONTAIN RESEARCH OR EVALUATION
122,07246
Most popular content
9SociologySociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
12102,8483,040
SociologySociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
1273,6562,307
CriminologyCriminology: Crime & Punishment Overview
Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.
1254,8691,059
SociologyComprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview
Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.
1251,6511,399
C
BiologyCell Biology and Cell structure
cell structures
93,2410
English LiteratureAn Inspector Calls: Character Insights
Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.
1025,427907
CriminologyWJEC Unit 4 Criminology
Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note
127,150125
CriminologyCriminology Theories Overview
Explore key criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance. This comprehensive summary covers biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives, including labelling theory, right realism, and the impact of social campaigns on policy development. Ideal for A-Level criminology students seeking to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the factors influencing crime prevention strategies.
129,760210
English LiteratureRomeo and Juliet: Key themes
Key Romeo and Juliet themes and analysed quotes
106,705198
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google 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 SiOS 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 KlichAndroid 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.
AnnaiOS user
Psychology370 views·Updated Jun 20, 2026·2 pagesPsychodynamic Approach: Key Assumptions Explained
ells@ellslouise07
Ever wondered why you act the way you do or what drives your personality? The psychodynamic approach in psychology suggests that much of your behaviour stems from unconscious forces and childhood experiences that continue to shape who you are today.
1
of 2
Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Childhood Experiences and Psychosexual Development
Your personality isn't just formed randomly - according to Freud, it's heavily influenced by what happens to you as a child. He believed we all progress through specific psychosexual stages where our sexual energy (called libido) focuses on different parts of the body.
Here's the crucial bit: if things go wrong during any of these stages, you can become fixated at that particular stage. This happens in two ways - either through frustration (when your needs aren't met) or overindulgence (when your needs are more than satisfied, making you too comfortable to move forward).
Getting stuck at any stage doesn't just affect you temporarily - it shapes your entire adult personality. For instance, problems during the oral stage might lead to issues with dependency or aggression later in life, while anal stage fixations could result in obsessive or messy personality traits.
Quick Tip: Think about how some adults still bite their nails or smoke when stressed - Freud would say this shows oral stage fixation from childhood.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
The Unconscious Mind and Defence Mechanisms
Your mind works like an iceberg - what you're aware of is just the tip floating above water. Freud divided the mind into three levels: the conscious (what you're thinking right now), the preconscious (memories you can easily recall), and the unconscious (the hidden depths that actually drive most of your behaviour).
The unconscious mind isn't logical like your conscious thoughts. Instead, it's packed with unresolved conflicts and emotional drives that you can't control directly. These hidden forces influence your actions and show up in dreams, slips of the tongue, and seemingly irrational behaviours.
When conflicts arise between different parts of your personality, your mind protects itself using ego defence mechanisms. These include repression (burying painful memories), projection (blaming others for your own feelings), displacement (taking anger out on the wrong person), and regression (acting younger than your age).
Remember: Defence mechanisms aren't necessarily bad - they help you cope with stress, but overusing them can lead to problems.
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.
Similar content
Most popular content: Id, Ego, Superego
2CriminologyIndividualistic Criminality Theories
Explore key individualistic theories of criminality, including Freud's psychodynamic theory, Bowlby's maternal deprivation, Eysenck's personality dimensions, and social learning theory. This comprehensive mindmap covers the development of criminal behavior, personality traits, and the impact of early relationships on delinquency. Ideal for criminology students seeking to understand the psychological underpinnings of crime.
122,64448
CriminologyFreud's Criminality Theory
Explore Freud's psychodynamic theory of criminality, focusing on the tripartite model of personality: id, ego, and superego. Understand how unconscious drives and early childhood experiences influence behavior and the potential for criminality. This summary provides key insights into the role of the unconscious mind and the implications of a weak superego in criminal behavior.
1289312
Most popular content in Psychology
9PsychologySocial Influence Overview
Explore key concepts in social influence, including conformity, obedience, and minority influence. This comprehensive summary covers essential studies such as Milgram's experiment, Asch's conformity tests, and the Stanford prison experiment, providing insights into the psychological mechanisms behind social behavior. Ideal for A-Level revision.
127,468319
PsychologyComprehensive Research Methods
Explore essential research methods in psychology, including experimental designs, types of experiments, observations, interviews, and ethical considerations. This summary covers key concepts such as independent and dependent variables, validity, reliability, and statistical significance, tailored for A Level AQA Psychology students.
1214,428719
PsychologyAQA A Level Sociology Research Methods
Includes all research methods
122,14368
PsychologyIssues and Debates
AQA paper 3 alevel psychology topic 9 - issues and debates - full active recall questions - notion.
121,07326
PsychologyAttachment Theory Overview
Explore key concepts of attachment theory, including Bowlby's Theory, the Strange Situation, and the role of fathers in attachment. This comprehensive summary covers maternal deprivation, secure and insecure attachments, and insights from animal studies. Ideal for AQA A-Level Psychology students seeking to understand childhood attachment dynamics.
122,87156
PsychologyBiopsychology Key Concepts
Explore essential biopsychology concepts including circadian rhythms, brain structure, and neurobiology. This comprehensive summary covers the nervous system, hormonal coordination, and the impact of brain plasticity on behavior. Ideal for AQA A Level Psychology revision.
1212,967612
PsychologyAttachment- essay plans
All the content needed to answer 16 markers in psych- attachment
1275213
PsychologyTheories of Romantic Relationships
Explore key theories and concepts in romantic relationships, including Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, and Duck's Phase Model. Understand factors affecting attraction such as self-disclosure, physical attractiveness, and the dynamics of virtual and parasocial relationships. This comprehensive summary is essential for AQA A Level Psychology students.
124,757163
PsychologyA Level AQA Biopsychology Content Mindmap
Biopsychology Content Mind Maps, DOES NOT CONTAIN RESEARCH OR EVALUATION
122,07246
Most popular content
9SociologySociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
12102,8483,040
SociologySociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
1273,6562,307
CriminologyCriminology: Crime & Punishment Overview
Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.
1254,8691,059
SociologyComprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview
Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.
1251,6511,399
C
BiologyCell Biology and Cell structure
cell structures
93,2410
English LiteratureAn Inspector Calls: Character Insights
Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.
1025,427907
CriminologyWJEC Unit 4 Criminology
Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note
127,150125
CriminologyCriminology Theories Overview
Explore key criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance. This comprehensive summary covers biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives, including labelling theory, right realism, and the impact of social campaigns on policy development. Ideal for A-Level criminology students seeking to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the factors influencing crime prevention strategies.
129,760210
English LiteratureRomeo and Juliet: Key themes
Key Romeo and Juliet themes and analysed quotes
106,705198
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google 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 SiOS 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 KlichAndroid 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.
AnnaiOS user