Theory of Motivation
The Constancy principle
States that the aim of the psychic apparatus is to keep stimulation to near zero if at all possible
Affect theory
The psychic quantity that the constancy principle regulated (required to discharge) were the affects
Drive Theory
Drive is an energy source
Activates the psychic apparatus
Determines humanity’s essential nature
Theory of Development
Psychosexual stages
Oral :
Incorporative (0-8 months) : focus on the mouth
Sadistic (8-12 months) : biting and devouring
Anal (2-3 years) :
Child is learning how to control physiological functions
Phallic (4-5 years) :
Oedipus Complex
Latency (6-12 years) :
Sexual instincts are sublimated until genital stage
Genital (12 years +) :
Sexual instincts are not primarily autoerotic
Health defied as the establishment of appropriate relationships with whole objects
Theory of psychopathology
Actual Neuroses
Anxiety neuroses
Neurasthenia
Dysfunction of current sexual life
Related to hypothesized chemical sexual substances
Psychoneuroses
Not neurological or physiological
Available for psychoanalytic treatment
Result of a conflict brought about the incongruity of ideas an the ensuing failure to release affect
Symptoms are uncovered through what the patient talks about
Character is uncovered and revealed in the way and manner the patient talks and how the patient relates to others
Symptoms not only defend against forbidden wishes, symptoms also partially gratify the wish.
Key Theoretical Concepts
Drive / Structure Model
Constancy Principal
Pleasure Principal
Reality Principal
Psychosexual Stages
Pathology has developmental characteristics
Talking Cure