Freudian/Analytical Overview
From the abstract
:
behavior is driven by the id, i.e. the desire to maximize pleasure and
minimize pain
behavior is filtered and tempered by the ego, i.e. through experience
learned in the course of development & growth
The Dynamism of Behavior
In the Analytical model first proposed by S. Freud, behaviors occur with the
involvement and interaction of two hypothetical parts of the mind called the
id and the ego. As a person develops from infancy to adulthood,
the ego develops from a relatively small part of their mind into a very
important and integral part of what drives their behavior.
Id & Ego Working in Harmony
The id is that part of the mind which seeks immediate gratification; seeking
out pleasure and reducing any displeasure. The ego is that part of the mind
which learns from experience how things are done. By working together to produce
a balance of consideration and desire the ego and id help to balance out the
behaviors of an individual.
In a highly complex behavior such as going to work to make money to pay bills
to buy food to eat to feel good and not hungry, the ego is that part of the
mind which understands all of those relationships and drives the decision to
work. The id is behind the drive to feel good and not hungry.
Schizophrenic Imbalance
In the psychotic disorder schizophrenia, Freud suggested that the id becomes
the overwhelming force in behavior. A person may get mad but normally not
scream because they realize this would be inappropriate for their surroundings,
but in a schizophrenic such considerations would not apply since their ego has
lost out to their id. They tend to act strongly on impulses, weakly on a
thoughtful consideration of the consequences.
Neurotic Imbalance
In the neurotic disorders Freud suggested that the ego becomes the overwhelming
force in behavior. While people do learn as they get older to delay gratification
till an opportune moment, a person suffering from a neurotic disorder may no
longer be well in touch with those desires that originate in the id. Instead
they may simply act out what they think is best without regard to the depths
of their feelings.
Related Links
A Freud Glossary... Start with Freud's Overview Psychoanalysis
Freud: An Overview of His Ideas
Links to Freud Related Papers
Depth Psychology and Cultural Issues ... Dreamwork, Dialogue
Literary Criticism ... Psychological Critics Apply Freudian
Freudian Gothic Overview: Life & Death Vs. Death-In-Life
Personality refers ... Unconscious in Motivating Behavior
Freudian Slip .. a Grief Overview of the Major Topics
Individuation and the Important Critiques of Freudian Metapsychology
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