Psychoanalytic Theories
Definition
These are theories that propose the existence of unconscious mental processes that shape personality and behavior. They emphasize the influence of early childhood experiences, sexual and aggressive drives, and resolution of conflicts between personal desires and societal norms.
Analogy
Think of psychoanalytic theories like an iceberg in the ocean. The part you can see above water represents our conscious mind - what we're aware of. But there's a much larger part underwater (the unconscious mind) that influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without us even realizing it.
Related terms
Unconscious Mind: This is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories that are outside of our conscious awareness. It's like the hidden storage room in your house where all your forgotten items are kept.
Defense Mechanisms: These are psychological strategies used by the unconscious mind to manipulate or deny reality in order to protect oneself from feelings of anxiety or guilt. It's like your brain's own security system protecting you from emotional harm.
Id, Ego, Superego: These are three parts of the psychic apparatus defined in Freud's structural model of the psyche; they interact to form complex human behaviors. Imagine them as three drivers in one car (your mind), each with different goals - Id wants immediate gratification (like a child wanting candy), Ego tries to satisfy Id’s demands realistically considering social norms (like a parent negotiating with the child), while Superego upholds moral standards (like a strict teacher enforcing rules).
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