Psychoanalytic Theory:
France Anton Mesmer did hypnotism and suggested that their problems were caused by an undetectable fluid found in all living organisms
called ‘animal magnetism’, which can be blocked.
He had his patients in a dark room around a large vat of chemicals with rods extended from it and touching them. Dressed in flowing robes, he
might then identify and tap various areas of their bodies where their animal magnetism was blocked while suggesting strongly that they were
being cured.
Many distinguished scientists and physicians were interested in Mesmer’s powerful methods of suggestion. And scientists like Freud teamed
up with Josef Breuer (who also experimented with hypnoses) who then discovered the unconscious mind and its apparent influence on the
production of psychological disorders. This is one of the most important developments in the history of psychopathology.
A close second was their discovery that it is therapeutic to recall and relive emotional trauma that has been made unconscious and to release
the accompanying tension. This release of emotional material became known as catharsis.
Catharsis: Rapid or sudden release of emotional tension thought to be an important factor in psychoanalytic therapy.
Unconscious: Part of the psychic make-up that is outside the awareness of the person.
In a series of treatment sessions, Breuer dealt with one symptom at a time through hypnosis and subsequent ‘talking through’, tracing each
symptom to its hypnotical causation in circumstances surrounding the death of Anna’s father.
Freud took these basic observations and expanded them into the psychoanalytic model, the most comprehensive theory yet constructed on the
development and structure of our personalities. He also speculated on where this development could go wrong and produce psychological
disorders.
Psychoanalytic model: complex and comprehensive theory originally advanced by Sigmund Freud that seeks to account for the development and structure of
personality, as well as the origin of abnormal behaviour, based primarily on inferred inner entities and forces.
, Structures of the mind:
There is normally conflict between the ID and SEGO, AND SUPEREGO. Because the conflict is all happening within the
ID mind, they are referred to as intrapsychic conflicts.
EGO
SUPEREGO In psychoanalysis, the struggles among the id, ego and superego
Defense mechanisms.
The ego fights a continual battle to stay on top of the warring id and superego. Occasionally, their conflicts produce
anxiety that threatens to overwhelm the ego. Anxiety is a signal that alerts the ego to marshal defense mechanisms.
Under this, also goes coping styles which continues t be an important part of psychopathology.
Denial: refuses to acknowledge some aspect of objectives reality or subjective experience that is apparent to others
Displacement: Transfers a feeling about, or a response to, an object that causes discomfort onto another, usually less
threatening, object or person.
Projection: Falsely attributes own unacceptable feelings, impulses or thoughts to another individual or object.
Rationalization; Conceals the true motivations for actions thoughts or feelings through elaborate reassuring or self-serving
but incorrect explanations.
Reaction formation: Substitutes behaviour, thoughts or feelings that are the direct opposite of unacceptable ones
Repression: Blocks disturbing wishes, thoughts or experiences from conscious awareness
Sublimation: Directs potentially maladaptive feelings or impulses into socially acceptable behaviour.
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