Sigmund Freud and his followers viewed human behavior as stemming from forces inside us. Without deep analysis, we would not be aware of the conflicts inside of us that are unconscious. As a result of these interpsychic conflicts, we are motivated to act and speak in specific ways. Freud, Adler, Jung, Klein, and others are associated with psychodynamic theory, and each has a particular emphasis based on their observations and experiences. Freud's theory was wide-ranging, and he provided a framework to think about and challenge. Knowing the basics of psychodynamic theory gives a psychology student a foundation to compare and analyze other theories.
PSY/405 v7
Psychoanalytic Personality Theory Worksheet
PSY/405 v7
Page 2 of 2
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Psychoanalytic Personality Theory Worksheet
Framework for Studying Personality and Freud’s Contribution
Part 1
Using your textbook, provide short (50-75 word) answers to the following questions:
1. Define theory according to your textbook. How will you know if a theory is worthwhile? What is meant by saying that a useful theory is falsifiable?
2. Freud's model of the mind, introduced in the 1920s, had three main components: Id, Ego, and Superego. Give a brief definition of these three components. How do they function?
3. What is the "unconscious" according to Freud? What is conscious thought in Freud's theory?
4. Describe one technique that Freud used to help his patients understand their unconscious mind. How did it work?
5. What is a strength of Freud's theory? What is a limitation?
6. Much of Freud's theory was developed 100 years ago. Given your reading, what is one concept that you thought was valuable or useful in your life today?
Part 2
Each term below relates to defense mechanisms which are automatic and unconscious responses to stress. Define each term briefly and give an example in 2-3 sentences.
1. Repression
2. Projection
3. Sublimation
Copyright 2022 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2022 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.