All things Freud
This theory posits that a client is seen as the product of his/her past and treatment involves dealing with repressed material in the unconscious
Psychoanalytic theory
In Adlerian psychology, what term describes the psychological mechanism where individuals strive to overcome perceived weaknesses or limitations in one area by excelling in another aspect of their lives?
What is "Compensation"? Compensation, as per Alfred Adler's theory, involves individuals making efforts to overcome feelings of inferiority or inadequacy in one area by developing strengths or achieving success in another domain of their lives.
Consider the case of John, an elderly individual reflecting on his life and feeling a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which stage is John likely experiencing, and what is the central conflict he is facing?
What is the "Integrity vs. Despair" stage? John is likely in Erikson's Integrity vs. Despair stage, where the primary conflict involves reflecting on one's life with a sense of fulfillment and acceptance (integrity) versus the risk of experiencing regret and dissatisfaction (despair) as one nears the end of life.
In the realm of psychoanalysis, this is the core premise of object relations theory
What is the "Primacy of Early Relationships"? Object relations theory emphasizes the impact of early relationships on an individual's psychological development. Object Relations Theory posits that early relationships, especially with primary caregivers, significantly influence an individual's mental and emotional development, shaping their capacity for future interpersonal relationships.
In Piaget's theory of cognitive development, what term is used to describe the process by which new information is incorporated into existing mental schemas?
What is "Assimilation"? Assimilation is the process in Piaget's cognitive development theory where new information is incorporated into existing mental schemas, allowing individuals to make sense of new experiences by relating them to what they already know.
In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, this level of consciousness contains thoughts and memories that are not currently in the forefront of our awareness but can be easily brought to consciousness. What is the term for the intermediate level that lies between the unconscious and conscious mind?
What is the "Preconscious"? The preconscious contains thoughts and memories that are not immediately accessible but can be brought to the conscious mind with minimal effort. It serves as a mental reservoir, holding information that is not in active awareness but can be retrieved when needed.
In Heinz Kohut's Self Psychology, this concept involves an individual seeking a sense of similarity, closeness, and identification with another person, often adopting shared characteristics to strengthen their own sense of self. What term describes this psychological process in Kohut's theory?
What is "Twinning"? Twinning, in Kohut's Self Psychology, refers to the psychological process where an individual seeks a sense of similarity and identification with another person, often adopting shared characteristics to enhance and stabilize their own sense of self.
Meet Sarah, a 7-year-old who enjoys participating in various activities, from art to sports. She takes pride in completing her projects and often seeks approval from teachers and peers. According to Erik Erikson's theory, which stage is Sarah likely experiencing, and what is the primary conflict she is dealing with?
What is the "Industry vs. Inferiority" stage? Sarah is likely in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage, where the primary conflict involves developing a sense of competence and accomplishment (industry) through successfully completing tasks and receiving positive feedback, versus the risk of feeling inadequate or inferior if her efforts are consistently met with disapproval or perceived failure.
According to Object Relations Theory, what is the term for the initial developmental stage where an infant begins to differentiate between the self and the external world, forming early internal representations of primary caregivers? (the child and mother are one)
What is the "Introjective Phase" or "Symbiotic Phase"? In the early stages of Object Relations Theory, the infant goes through the introjective phase, forming internalized representations of caregivers and beginning to differentiate between the self and the external world
In Piaget's theory of cognitive development, what term is used to describe the process by which existing mental structures are adjusted to accommodate new information or experiences?
What is "Accommodation"? Accommodation is the process in Piaget's cognitive development theory where existing mental structures are modified or adjusted to fit new information or experiences, allowing for cognitive growth and adaptation.
Meet Alex, a high-achieving student who experiences overwhelming guilt whenever he falls short of perfection in academics or any aspect of his life. According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which mental structure is likely exerting a powerful influence on Alex's feelings of guilt?
What is the "Superego"? Alex's intense guilt suggests a strong presence of the Superego, the component of the mind that internalizes societal and parental standards, acting as a moral compass. The Superego can lead individuals to experience guilt or shame when they perceive their actions as deviating from these internalized standards.
Consider the case of Mark, who grew up with a persistent belief that he needed to prove himself in every situation to gain acceptance and recognition. According to Alfred Adler's theory of motivation, what key concept might explain Mark's behavior?
What is "Inferiority Complex" or "Striving for Superiority"? According to Adlerian psychology, individuals like Mark might be driven by an inferiority complex, where they feel a constant need to overcome perceived inadequacies and strive for superiority. This motivation influences their behavior as they seek to compensate for perceived weaknesses and gain a sense of significance.
Consider the case of Jake, a teenager who is grappling with questions of identity and self-worth, often experimenting with different roles and values. According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, which stage of development is Jake likely navigating, and what is the central conflict he's facing?
What is the "Identity vs. Role Confusion" stage? Jake is likely in the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage of Erikson's psychosocial development. The central conflict involves the struggle to develop a coherent sense of self and a commitment to certain roles and values, which may lead to exploration and experimentation during adolescence.
Meet Alex, a child who, despite his mother's brief absences, remains secure in the knowledge that she will return. According to object relations theory, what concept is demonstrated by Alex's ability to maintain a sense of his mother's love and presence even when she is not physically there?
What is "Object Constancy"? Alex's ability to maintain a sense of his mother's love and presence despite her brief absences illustrates the concept of Object Constancy in object relations theory.
Meet Alex, a 4-year-old who is presented with a task involving pouring water from a short, wide cup into a tall, narrow cup. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, what might be Alex's response, and how does this align with a specific stage in Piaget's developmental stages?
What is "Centration" in the Preoperational Stage? Alex might focus on the height of the water level in one of the cups and neglect other dimensions. This aligns with the preoperational stage, characterized by centration, where children struggle to consider multiple dimensions simultaneously.
this term is used to describe thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are inconsistent with an individual's self-perception or values, causing significant distress. What is the term for experiences that are in conflict with one's self-identity?
What is "Ego-dystonic"? Ego-dystonic refers to psychological symptoms or aspects of a person's experience that are at odds with their self-concept, creating internal discomfort or distress.
According to Heinz Kohut's Self Psychology, individuals have specific emotional requirements for affirming their sense of self and well-being. What term does Kohut use to describe these essential needs for external supports that contribute to the formation and maintenance of a healthy self?
What are "Self-Object Needs"? In Kohut's Self Psychology, self-object needs refer to the emotional requirements individuals have for external objects, such as others, that play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of a robust and cohesive sense of self.
Meet Emily, a preschooler who often feels conflicted about exploring her creative side and taking initiative due to a fear of making mistakes. According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which stage is Emily likely in, and what is the central conflict she is grappling with?
What is the "Initiative vs. Guilt" stage? Emily is likely navigating Erikson's Initiative vs. Guilt stage, where the primary conflict involves the balance between taking initiative in exploring her world and the potential for feeling guilty or anxious about her actions, particularly if she perceives them as wrong or socially unacceptable.
Consider the case of Sarah, a toddler who, after experiencing a period of relative independence, begins seeking proximity to her mother and shows signs of anxiety when separated. According to object relations theory, what stage is Sarah likely navigating, and what term is used to describe this phase?
What is the "Rapprochement Phase"? In Sarah's case, she is likely navigating the Rapprochement Phase of object relations theory. This phase involves the toddler's increased desire for closeness and connection with the primary caregiver after a period of relative independence.
Consider the case of Alex, an 8-year-old who was initially unable to comprehend that the amount of clay remains the same whether it's rolled into a long snake shape or flattened into a pancake shape. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, what stage is Alex likely transitioning into, and what term describes his previous inability to understand conservation?
What is the "Concrete Operational Stage" and "Lack of Conservation"? Alex's previous inability to understand that the amount of clay remains constant despite changes in shape reflects a lack of conservation, a characteristic of the preoperational stage. As he transitions into the concrete operational stage, he is likely to develop a more comprehensive understanding of conservation.
Sarah frequently experiences intense feelings of anxiety and exhibits compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly checking if doors are locked. According to psychoanalytic theory, which component of the mind, as proposed by Sigmund Freud, might be playing a significant role in Sarah's symptoms?
What is the "Id"? The Id, according to Freudian psychoanalytic theory, represents the primitive, instinctual part of the mind that seeks immediate gratification and operates on the pleasure principle. Sarah's anxiety and compulsive behaviors may be manifestations of conflicts between her unconscious desires and societal norms, implicating the influence of the Id.
Meet Lisa, a young artist who consistently sees her mentor as a perfect and flawless guide in her creative journey, ignoring any flaws or imperfections. According to Heinz Kohut's Self Psychology, what psychological mechanism is Lisa employing by attributing exaggerated positive qualities to her mentor?
What is "Idealization"? Lisa's tendency to perceive her mentor as perfect and flawless, overlooking any shortcomings, is an example of idealization in Kohut's Self Psychology. This process helps her compensate for feelings of inadequacy and enhances her self-esteem by associating with an idealized figure.
Consider the case of Lisa, a middle-aged professional who is deeply invested in mentoring younger colleagues and contributing to her community. According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which stage is Lisa likely experiencing, and what is the central conflict she is navigating?
What is the "Generativity vs. Stagnation" stage? Lisa is likely in Erikson's Generativity vs. Stagnation stage, where the primary conflict involves the desire to contribute to the well-being of future generations (generativity) versus the risk of feeling stagnant or unproductive if one's efforts lack meaningful impact.
Meet Alex, a 6-month-old infant showing signs of increasing awareness of his own body and expressing distinct preferences for different caregivers. According to object relations theory, what term is used to describe Alex's developmental process of forming a more differentiated sense of self while maintaining connections with his caregivers?
What is "Hatching" or "Differentiation"? Alex's expressions of distinct preferences and increasing awareness of his own body indicate the process of Differentiation, also known as Hatching, in object relations theory. This stage involves the infant's developing ability to differentiate the self from others while maintaining important connections.
Meet Emily, a 14-year-old who is now capable of contemplating hypothetical scenarios, analyzing abstract concepts, and thinking critically about different possibilities. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, what stage is Emily likely in, and what term describes her newfound ability?
What is the "Formal Operational Stage" and "Abstract Thinking"? Emily's ability to contemplate hypothetical scenarios and engage in abstract thinking signifies her entrance into Piaget's formal operational stage, where individuals develop advanced cognitive abilities, including the capacity for abstract reasoning.