2. Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud)

Trait Theory, focusing specifically on the Big Five Personality Traits (also called the OCEAN Model).

2. Psychoanalytic Theory (Sigmund Freud)
 

1. Overview

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) developed Psychoanalytic Theory as one of the first comprehensive theories of human personality and behaviour. It emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and inner conflicts on human behaviour.

Freud believed that much of human behaviour is driven by unconscious motives and conflicts that people are often unaware of.
 

2. Key Concepts
 

a. Structure of Personality

Freud divided personality into three components:

Component       Description                                                                                                    Principal                             Function
Id                            The primitive, instinctual part of personality that seeks            Pleasure principle          “I want it now.”
                                 immediate gratification of desires (like hunger, sex, and
                                 aggression). 
Ego                         The rational, realistic part that mediates between the id        Reality principle             “Let’s find a realistic way to satisfy this.”
                                 and the superego.
Superego            The moral conscience representing internalized societal     Morality principle             “This is the right thing to do.” 
                                 and parental standards.
 

b. Levels of Consciousness

Freud suggested three levels of mental awareness:

Level Description Example

Conscious Thoughts and feelings we are aware of. “I am feeling happy right now.”

Preconscious Memories and thoughts that are not currently conscious but can be brought to awareness. “can recall my first day of school.”

Unconscious Deep desires, fears, and memories we are unaware of, but which influence behaviour. Hidden childhood trauma affecting adult relationships.
 

c. Defence Mechanisms

When the ego struggles to balance the id and superego, it uses defence mechanisms to protect the mind from anxiety. Common ones include:

• Repression: Pushing painful memories into the unconscious.

• Denial: Refusing to accept reality.

• Projection: Attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings to others.

• Displacement: Redirecting emotions toward a safer target.

• Regression: Reverting to an earlier stage of development under stress.

• Sublimation: Channelling unacceptable impulses into acceptable activities.

d. Psychosexual Stages of Development
                     












 

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3. Methods of Study

Freud developed several techniques to explore the unconscious:

• Free Association: Patient says whatever comes to mind without censorship.

• Dream Analysis: Dreams reveal hidden desires (“dreams are the royal road to the unconscious”).

• Transference: Emotions toward significant people are projected onto the therapist.

4. Contributions

• Introduced the idea that unconscious processes influence behaviour.

• Highlighted the role of early childhood experiences.

• Developed the talking cure, laying the foundation for modern psychotherapy.

5. Criticisms

• Too much emphasis on sexual drives.

• Lacks scientific evidence and is difficult to test.

• Biased — based largely on case studies of adults.

• Modern psychology has moved toward more empirical and cognitive approaches.

6. Modern Influence

Though many aspects are outdated, Freud’s ideas still influence:

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Dream analysis

• Personality and motivation studies

• Popular culture and literature