Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Theory (Part 2)

Conflict, repression, and unconscious motivation

Psychoanalysis – the study of personality from the viewpoint of conflict

Ego tries desperately to cope with conflict and the anxiety it generates

Does this primarily through repression Fixation can occur and manifest as

symbolic behavior

Ego Defense Mechanisms

Projection Seeing error in others, but not recognizing it in oneself

Rationalization Concocting plausible but false explanations for events and actions

Reaction Formation

Taking a stance opposing one’s deeper feelings

Displacement Directing an emotional response onto something or someone other than its appropriate target

Sublimation Engaging in a socially acceptable behavior as an indirect expression of socially unacceptable impulses

Psychosexual stages of development

Oral stage (birth – 2 years) Anal stage (2 – 4 years) Phallic stage (4 – 6 years)

Oedipus complex Latency stage (6 years – onset of

puberty) Genital stage (puberty – adulthood)

Adjustment Problems Based on Fixations at Psychosexual Stages

Oral Stage (birth to 2 years)

Sarcasm, argumentativeness, greediness, acquisitiveness, over-dependency

Anal Stage (2-4 years) Emotional outbursts such as rages and temper tantrums; compulsive orderliness and overly controlled behavior

Phallic Stage (4-6 years)

Sexual deviance; Problems with gender identification

Genital Stage (puberty to adulthood)

Narcissism or extreme self-love

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

Developmental Phase

Psychosocial Stage

Related Adjustment Problems

Infancy Trust vs. Mistrust Mistrust of others

Early Childhood (ages 1-3)

Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt

Doubt in oneself and mistrust in environment

Play Age (ages 3-5)

Initiative vs. Guilt Overdeveloped conscience which prevents independent action; excessive guilt

School Age (ages 5-10)

Industry vs. Inferiority

Doubt in one’s ability to perform adequately for society; feelings of inferiority and inadequacy

Adolescence Identity vs. Identity diffusion

Doubt in one’s sexual, ethnic, and/or occupational identity