Reference and Education: Freudian Basics

Freud is a very interesting and influential character in the history of both psychiatry and psychology. Freud's main contribution is psychoanalysis. Most of his ideas are outdated, disproven, sexist, and overly complex, however, he was correct about some issues. Because of this, very few therapists follow strict Freudian or Neo-Freudian ideology. Freud is usually the first theorist we learn about in high school or undergraduate psychology classes because of his ideas being so fundamental (yet complex), as well as the only complete theory of personality. It is entertaining listening to undergrads breaking everyone and everything down into psychoanalytic terms, but it is good practice and provides a good starting point.

There are many ideas that Freud theorized. We have psychic determinism, psychic conflict and compromise, mental energy, and internal structure for starters. Then we have his stage theory, process thinking, the topographic model, and defense mechanisms. Some theories were created by Neo-Freudians after his death, but are still credited to Freud himself.

I will give some quick definitions to some of his theories here:

Psychic Determinism - The idea that everything that happens has a cause that can be identified.

Psychic Conflict and Compromise - The idea that the mind can conflict with itself, as well as make compromises with itself.

Mental Energy - Psychic energy (libido) required in order for the psychological apparatus of the mind to work.

Internal Structure - The mind (not the brain) has an internal structure made up of parts that can function independently (Id, Ego, Superego).

Oral Stage - Psychological theme of dependence. Predominantly Id.

Anal Stage - Development of the ego begins. Psychological theme is self control and obedience.

Urethral Stage - Transition between anal and phallic stages. Involves issues of control.

Phallic Stage - Oedipus Complex begins. Psychological theme is gender identity and sexuality. Involves development of the superego.

Latency - A psychological break to allow for learning other important tasks.

Genital Stage - Physical focus on genitals. Psychological theme is maturity.

Primary Process Thinking - The way the unconscious mind operates. No concept of the word, 'no'. No consideration of consequences.

Secondary Process Thinking - Conscious thinking. Rational, practical, and prudent thinking. Develops as the ego develops.

Topographic Model - Three levels of consciousness: Unconscious, Preconscious, and Conscious.

Defense Mechanisms:

Denial - Refusal to acknowledge or perceive a source of anxiety.

Repression - Further reaching and longer lasting than denial.

Reaction Formation - Instigates the opposite thoughts, feelings, and impulses.

Projection - Attributing to someone else a thought or impulse that is feared in ones self.

Rationalization - Concocting a seemingly rational case for why you have done something.

Intellectualization - Turn an emotional feeling into an abstract or analytical thought.

Displacement - Replace one object of emotion with another.

Sublimation - Forbidden impulses are transformed into constructive behaviors.

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Source: http://13pisos.blogspot.com/2012/02/freudian-basics.html

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