The key elements of psychodynamic theory



Psychodynamic theory, introduced by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th century, was applied to understand the origin of human behaviour. 


This theory analyses the influences of childhood, unconscious mind and interpersonal relationship on a person's behaviour. 

Key elements of psychodynamic theory are described below: 


1. Personality Structure: 

a) id:

Driven by instinct and desire, id is the primal part of the personality. 

For example, when a baby gets it's desires fulfilled, it is happy. If the desire is not met, the baby shows all the symptom of dissatisfaction.
This cycle of behaviour perfectly describes id.

Later on in life, the baby's personality develops into ego and superego. 

b) Ego: 

''The ego is that part of the id that has been modified by the direct influence of the external world'' _ Freud 

The ego's goal is to satisfy the demands of id in a socially acceptable, logical and safe way. 
Freud also described id as a horse and ego as the rider. This analogy helps to understand the theory more. 

c) Superego: 

Superego is like an inner critic that provides a sense of right and wrong for ego and provides a function for id's impulses. 
It is a part passed on us from our parents which are made with morals and values. 


2. The Ice berg Theory: 

Freud viewed the human mind as a mental iceberg. Such as, 

a) Conscious Level:
The top or visible part of this mental iceberg is called conscious level. This level consists thoughts and perceptions. 

b) Subconscious Level:
Memories and stored knowledge are elements of the subconscious level. 

c) Unconscious Level: 
Unconscious level consists of desire, fear, shame, immoral and irrational urges, selfish and violent motives etc. 


3. Defence Mechanism: 

Freud identified that people use different defence mechanisms for protecting their ego from anxiety and stress, mostly unconsciously. 

These are denial, projections, regression, repression etc. These defence mechanisms help people to cope with reality and function. 


4. Psychosexual Development: 

Freud believed life evolves around 2 feeling, tension and pleasure.
He believed that all tension are due to the libido build-up. And all pleasure comes from the discharge of these tension. 
He also believed our early experiences build our personality. 

Freud identified 5 stages of psychosexual development: 

- Oral (Birth to 18 months): 

According to Freud, this is the first stage where human find pleasure through sucking, biting, chewing etc to sooth themselves.  

- Anal (1 to 3 years): 

At this stage a human seeks pleasure through controlling, withholding or releasing the bowel. 

If a child is harshly toilet trained, they will most likely grow up to be very organised, stubborn, tight fisted with their possessions individual. 

If a child is toilet trained in a liberal or independent way, the child will most likely grow up with a rebellious, messy, sharing personality. 

- Phallic (3 to 6 years):

In this stage children become curious and aware of their body parts, genitals and opposite sex. This stage can be characterized by genital fixation. 

- Latent (6 years to puberty): 

Latent means hidden. This stage is characterized by non sexual urges. 

At this stage the child focuses on building social and intellectual skills, friendship, hobbies, etc. Much of the child's energy will be spent on gaining new skills and knowledge at the latent stage. 

- Genital (puberty to adulthood):

At this final stage of psychosexual development, people begins to explore their sexuality, matures physically and develops deeper sexual attraction and seeks such connections. 


Used resources for this answer: 





NB: This is my personal work for Level 2 certification on Counselling Skills. You are welcome to use this for learning purpose only by mentioning this website. 


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