Psychodynamic Psychology

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Psychology is the study of behaviour and the mental process. There are various methods which have been tested as the discipline has grown. Freud, one the most influential psychologists ever, was the founder of the Psychodynamic model and psychoanalysis. The term ‘psychodynamic’ refers to theories that emphasis behaviour arises from psychological not physical causes. Supporters of the psychodynamic model believe there are three causes for abnormal behaviour: conflict n the mind, the unconscious and childhood experiences. Freud believed that personality is a tripartite. The first part is the ‘Id’, this is the biological component of the mind, as it is the one we are born and it works on the pleasure principle. the Id consists of sexual and aggressive instincts and is only concerned with immediate gratification. The second part to develop is the ‘Ego’, this is the psychological component, this is the rational part of the personality. It works on the reality principle to obtain what the Id wants through socially appropriate and acceptable means. The ego is also responsible for balancing the desire of the id with the control of the superego. The last part to develop is the ‘Superego’, this is the social component and is based on the morality principle. It consists of the ego …show more content…

Watson’s behaviourist model rejected the unconscious ascribed to behaviours because it was not observable and subject to psychologists’ biased interpretations; instead he postulated humans respond to punishments and rewards. He believed that behaviour which creates a positive response is reinforced and continues, whereas behaviour which results in a negative response is eliminated. The behaviourist theory states we are all born a tabula rasa and all our behaviours are learnt and a result of our

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