Ever wondered why you act the way you do or... Show more
Psychology366 views·Updated May 31, 2026·2 pagesPsychodynamic Approach: Key Assumptions Explained
ells@ellslouise07
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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.
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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.
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Psychology366 views·Updated May 31, 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.
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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.
Most popular content: Id, Ego, Superego
2Most popular content in Psychology
9Most popular content
9Can'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