Psychology as a subject of discussion and popularity has largely to do with Sigmund Freud’s contribution- his big idea termed as Psychoanalytic theory. Understanding the human mind is at the core of psychoanalytic theory. He is the most famous psychologist ever, and his work has profound influence in 20th and 21st century.
One of the most important things that make this theory interesting is the scope. Most theories are specialized theories, but psychodynamic theory/psychoanalysis is a grand one. It discusses about everything, day to day life, child development, mental illness, religion, war, love etc. There are lot of critical influence on how we think about the present that this theory has shaped our understanding about human mind.
The most impactful idea by Freud was his topographic model of the human mind – Conscious, Preconscious, and Unconscious. Later he posited a more structured model into metaphorical parts of the mind- the Id, Ego and Superego. The psychodynamic perspective emphasizes unconscious psychological processes (for example, wishes and fears of which we’re not fully aware), and contends that childhood experiences are crucial in shaping adult personality. Freud believed these three parts of the mind are in constant conflict and when this conflict gets too much to handle his/her ego may engage in defence mechanisms to protect you against the most uncomfortable part of yourself. One of the most enduring concepts associated with Freud is his psychosexual stages of development- the five stages of personality development and each stage is associated to particular erogenous zone. Freud hypothesized that individuals must successfully complete each stage otherwise individuals may become stuck or ‘fixated’ in a particular stage, causing emotional and behavioural problems in adulthood. Dreams play an important role in psychodynamic theory, as they are often considered the central route through which the unconscious expresses itself to the conscious mind. He believed that analyzing one’s dreams can give valuable insight into unconscious mind.
Some psychodynamic concepts have held up well to empirical scrutiny while others have not, and aspects of the theory remain controversial, but the psychodynamic perspective continues to influence many different areas of contemporary psychology.
About the Speaker
Dr. Watinaro Longkumer is an Assistant Professor and the Head of Department of Department of Psychology and Counselling at St. Joseph University, Dimapur.
Date: 17th August 2020
Time: 3:00 PM
Registration: bit.ly/