PSYC 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12.2a: Reaction Formation, Sigmund Freud, Reality Principle

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1010
• Professor: Myriam Mongrain

Document Summary

Psychodynamic theories - all the diverse theories descended from the work of sigmund freud that focus on unconscious mental forces. Psychoanalytic theory attempts to explain personality, motivation and psychological disorders by focusing on the influence of early childhood experiences, on unconscious motives and conflicts, and on the methods people use to cope with their sexual and aggressive urges. The id - according to freud, the primitive, instinctive component of personality that operates according to the pleasure principle. The ego - according to freud, the decision -making component of personality that operates according to the reality principle. Reality principle - according to freud, the principle on which the ego operates, which seeks to delay gratification of the id"s urges until appropriate outlets and situations can be found. The ego wants to maximize gratification just as the id does. Ego engages in secondary process thinking -rational, realistic and oriented toward problem solving.