20/03/2023

The Psychodynamic Approach

Psychodynamic approach - a perspective that describes the different forces (dynamics), most of which
are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience.

The unconscious - The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of
our behaviour.

Id - Entirely unconscious, the id is made up of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate
gratification.

Ego - the 'reality check' that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the superego.

Superego - The moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self: how we ought to be.

Defence mechanisms - Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage teh conflict between the id
and the superego.