Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

Structure of the Mind

Founder of psychology• Developed the theory and method of psychoanalysis which came

about from his assumption that the human mind was divided into two parts (conscious and uncounscious). Freud believed that the unconscious mind was a more powerful influence on human behaviour

• He first used hypnosis as a way to unlock the unconscious• Later developed free association; he would read off a list of words and

the patient would respond with the first idea that came to mind• By analyzing these results, he would be able to see what secrets lay

hidden in the unconscious mind• Freud received all of his evidence through these talking sessions which

he then wrote up as case studies• Due to his unscientific and untestable findings, many psychologists

reject his theories and many psychology courses contain very little Freudian theory

Structure of the Mind

• Freud came to see personality as having 3 aspects: The ID, the Ego, and the Superego

• All work together to produce all our complex behaviours

• ID= Drives… “I want”• Ego= Reason… “I think”• Superego= Duties… “I Should”

ID (Devil on you shoulder)

• 2 drives- sex and aggression• Responsible for the irrational and emotional part of

our mind• Contains our primitive desires, basic need and feelings

(wishes)• Completely unconscious and thus continues to

function even when we are asleep• Pleasure principle: “I want it and I want it now”• Id too strong= bound up in self gratification and

uncaring to others

EGO (Mediator)

• Satisfy ID’s impulses- looking for healthy balance• Functions with the rational part of your mind• Develops out of a growing awareness that you can’t

always get what you want• Its task is to mediate between the Id and the

Superego and the external world (Therefore to find a balance between primitive drives, morals and reality)

• Ego too strong= extremely rational and efficient, but cold, boring and distant

SUPEREGO (Angel on your shoulder)

• Last part of the mind to develop• Becomes an embodiment of parental and

societal values (the moral part of the mind)• It stores and enforces rules and strives for

perfection• Superego too strong= feels guilty all the times,

may even have an insufferable saintly personality

Freud’s Model of the Mind as an Iceberg

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O78LXXGQFvE