What are the Psychosexual Stages Pt3 The Oedipus complex begins with the young boy’s incestuous attraction to his mother. Hostility develops towards his father, who is viewed as a rival for the mother’s affection. The boy then fears retaliation by … Continue reading →
What are the Psychosexual Stages Pt2 Oral Stage For approximately the first year of life, oral activity provides the primary means of gratification. The mouth is the centre of the infant’s experience and requires the most tension-reducing stimulation. This occurs, … Continue reading →
What are the Psychosexual Stages Instinct theory may also be illustrated with reference to the psychosexual stages of development proposed by Freud (sometimes termed his genetic or orthogenetic hypothesis). Three areas (erotogenic zones) of the body sensitive to sexual sensations … Continue reading →
What is the Instinct Theory Within the id, Freud proposed the existence of two basic instincts, relating to the themes of life and death. The more important of the two, especially in terms of personality development, is the life instinct … Continue reading →
What are Defence Mechanisms Pt 3 Secondary Defence Mechanisms Secondary reality distortion defences may provide valuable back-up strategies of disguise when the primaries are inadequate or inappropriate. Projection involves attributing unacceptable traits or impulses to others: typically, we may see … Continue reading →
What are Defence Mechanisms Pt 2 Primary Defence Mechanisms Primary reality distortion defences provide basic protection by not allowing the individual to perceive or feel threatening information. Repression is the first line of defence and a cornerstone of psychoanalytic theory. … Continue reading →
What are Defence Mechanisms In keeping with Freud’s dynamic hypothesis, marked differences in the functions of id, ego and superego are conducive to intrapsychic conflict. The three systems tend to vie for goals which are difficult to reconcile. A particular … Continue reading →
The Structure of the Mind Pt3 Superego The superego develops from the ego around age five or six (refer also to the psychosexual stages, described later). It represents the moral arm of the personality and comprises prohibitions and values acquired … Continue reading →
The Structure of the Mind Pt2 The id also operates by the pleasure principle, demanding instant and total gratification of basic needs without regard for reality or morality. Such instinctual tension reduction can only be achieved by reflex activity or … Continue reading →
