Mastering Psychoanalysis
The Systems of Sigmund Freud
“This school put forward altogether different views, quite contrary to structuralism, functionalism, behaviourism or gestaltism to explain human behaviour.”
I. Topographical Model
Freud compared the mind to an Iceberg: only 10% is visible above water, while 90% remains hidden below.
1. Conscious Mind (10%)
- The part you are aware of right now.
- Contains immediate thoughts and perceptions.
Example: Reading this line or feeling the temperature of the room.
2. Subconscious / Preconscious
- Just below conscious awareness; easily brought to mind.
- Stores memories and knowledge not currently active.
Example: Recalling your home address or yesterday’s lunch.
3. Unconscious Mind (90%)
- The deepest level containing repressed desires, fears, and traumas.
- Forces here influence dreams, emotions, and “Freudian Slips.”
Example: Childhood trauma affecting adult relationships.
II. Structural Model
1. Id (Desire Based)
- Oldest part, present from birth; completely unconscious.
- Pleasure Principle: Seeks immediate gratification.
- Contains Eros (Life instinct) and Thanatos (Death instinct).
Example: “I want that cake right now!”
2. Ego (Reality Based)
- Develops in early childhood; works across all levels of mind.
- Reality Principle: Balances Id’s desires with real-world rules.
- The rational, logical mediator of personality.
Example: “I’ll wait until lunch to eat cake.”
3. Superego (Morality Based)
- Develops last (ages 5-6) via socialization.
- Represents ethics, conscience (guilt), and ideals (pride).
- Strives for perfection rather than just practicality.
Example: “I shouldn’t eat the cake; it’s not mine.”
III. Developmental Stages
Fixation: Getting “stuck” in a stage due to overindulgence or frustration.
1. Oral (0-1 yr): Focus on Mouth (sucking/biting).
Fixation: Smoking, nail-biting, or dependency.
2. Anal (1-3 yrs): Focus on Anus (Toilet Training).
Fixation: Overly tidy/stubborn (Retentive) or messy/careless (Expulsive).
3. Phallic (3-6 yrs): Focus on Genitals; identification with parents.
Oedipus: Boys’ desire for mother; rivalry with father.
Electra: Girls’ desire for father; rivalry with mother.
Castration: Boys’ fear of losing genitals as punishment.
Penis Envy: Girls’ sense of loss for lacking the organ.
Fixation: Vanity, recklessness, or sexual identity confusion.
4. Latency (6-12 yrs): Libido is dormant. Focus on school and social skills.
5. Genital (12+ yrs): Mature sexual interests and healthy relationships.
IV. Therapy & Verdict
1. Transference: Building a trust bond (Rapport).
2. Analysis: Uncovering repressed causes via:
- Free Association: Saying whatever comes to mind.
- Dream Analysis: Decoding dreams as “disguised satisfaction.”
- Daily Psychopathology: Analyzing slips of the tongue/pen.
3. Synthesis: Restructuring the psyche and restoring balance.
4. Breaking Rapport: Enabling patient independence.
Critical Shortcomings
- Sampled only from patients; ignored environment.
- Over-emphasized sexuality and childhood determinism.
- Unconscious seen only as a repository for evil/repressed wishes.
Educational Contributions
- Ushered in Child-Centred education.
- Highlighted mental health and Catharsis (emotional release).
- Reformed sex education into a natural biological focus.
Freud’s Psychoanalysis Exam Drill
1. A child wants a toy immediately and starts crying loudly without considering the situation. Which part of the psyche is dominating?
- A. Ego
- B. Superego
- C. Id
- D. Libido
Answer: C (Id)
The Id operates on the “Pleasure Principle,” seeking immediate gratification of all needs and urges.
2. Which component of personality acts as a “Mediator” between internal urges and external reality?
- A. Id
- B. Ego
- C. Superego
- D. Unconscious
Answer: B (Ego)
The Ego operates on the “Reality Principle,” balancing the impulsive Id and the moralistic Superego.
3. Rahul feels guilty after cheating on a small class test, even though no one caught him. This guilt is a function of:
- A. Id
- B. Ego
- C. Superego
- D. Defense Mechanism
Answer: C (Superego)
The Superego represents internalized moral standards and creates feelings of pride or guilt.
4. Freud described the ‘Unconscious’ as being similar to:
- A. A small candle
- B. An iceberg
- C. A flowing river
- D. A blank slate
Answer: B (An iceberg)
Freud used the iceberg analogy to show that the conscious mind is only a small visible tip, while the vast unconscious is hidden.
5. A student who is angry at a teacher goes home and yells at their younger sibling instead. This is an example of:
- A. Regression
- B. Displacement
- C. Projection
- D. Rationalization
Answer: B (Displacement)
Displacement involves shifting impulses from a threatening target to a less threatening one.
6. Psychoanalysis as a therapy primarily aims to bring ________ material into ________ awareness.
- A. Conscious; Subconscious
- B. Unconscious; Conscious
- C. Moral; Impulsive
- D. Reality; Pleasure
Answer: B (Unconscious; Conscious)
The goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to uncover repressed memories and conflicts to gain insight.
7. Which of the following is a major ‘Contribution to Education’ from Freud’s system?
- A. Emphasis on rote learning
- B. Focus on physical drill
- C. Importance of early childhood experiences
- D. Standardized testing
Answer: C
Freud highlighted that the first five years of life are crucial for personality development, influencing modern child psychology.
8. A teenager starts sucking their thumb or wetting the bed after their parents’ divorce. This defense mechanism is:
- A. Sublimation
- B. Regression
- C. Denial
- D. Repression
Answer: B (Regression)
Regression is retreating to an earlier, more infantile stage of development when faced with stress.
9. What is the primary ‘criticism’ leveled against Freud’s Psychoanalysis?
- A. Too much focus on social growth
- B. Lack of scientific/empirical evidence
- C. It ignores the unconscious
- D. It is too simple to understand
Answer: B
Critics argue Freud’s theories are subjective, difficult to test scientifically, and overemphasize sex.
10. The ‘Free Association’ technique in therapy involves the patient:
- A. Matching words to pictures
- B. Role-playing with others
- C. Speaking whatever comes to mind without censorship
- D. Following a strict set of questions
Answer: C
In Free Association, the patient relaxes and says everything that comes to mind to uncover unconscious links.