Psychoanalytic Approach

Definition

The psychoanalytic approach is a psychological perspective developed by Sigmund Freud that focuses on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior. It suggests that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are determined by unconscious motives and conflicts.

Related terms

Unconscious Mind:

This term refers to the part of our mind that contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are not currently conscious or accessible to awareness.

Defense Mechanisms:

These are psychological strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety arising from conflicts between the id (our unconscious desires) and superego (our internalized moral standards).

Free Association:

This technique involves expressing whatever comes to mind without censoring or filtering it. It is used in psychoanalysis to access unconscious thoughts and feelings.