Psychoanalytic theory
Psychoanalytic Theory
Psychoanalytic theory (pronunciation: /ˌsaɪkoʊəˈnælɪtɪk ˈθɪəri/) is a body of ideas developed by Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud and continued by others. It is primarily focused on the study of human psychological functioning and behavior.
Etymology
The term "psychoanalytic" is derived from the Greek words "psyche" meaning "soul" or "mind" and "analyein" meaning "to break up" or "to loosen". The theory was named as such because it involves the analysis of the mind or psyche.
Definition
Psychoanalytic theory refers to the definition and systematization of psychodynamic concepts, which emphasize the importance of unconscious mental processes and developmental issues. It is a method of investigating the mind and interpreting thought and behavior.
Key Concepts
Psychoanalytic theory is based on several key concepts, including:
- Unconscious Mind: This refers to the part of the mind that contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are not currently in a person's conscious awareness.
- Defense Mechanisms: These are psychological strategies used by the unconscious mind to manipulate, deny, or distort reality in order to defend against feelings of anxiety and unacceptable impulses.
- Psychosexual Development: This is a central element of the psychoanalytic sexual drive theory, which suggests that human beings, from birth, possess an instinctual libido that develops in five stages.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Psychoanalytic theory
- Wikipedia's article - Psychoanalytic theory
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