Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Psychodynamic theories are psychological theories that explain behavior as driven by unconscious forces and conflicts within an individual.
Related terms
Freudian Psychology: This refers to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory which emphasizes unconscious thought processes and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior.
These are psychological strategies used by individuals unconsciously to cope with anxiety or stress. They often distort reality to protect one's self-esteem.
Id, Ego, Superego: These are three components of Freud's structural model of personality. Id is driven by basic urges, superego represents moral conscience, and ego mediates between them according to reality.