Module 55 Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Theories

LEARNING TARGETS

• 55-1 Explain what psychologists mean by personality, and identity the theories that inform our understanding of personality.
• 55-2 Explain how Sigmund Freud’s treatment of psychological disorders led to his view of the unconscious mind, and describe his view of personality.
• 55-3 Identify the developmental stages Freud proposed, and discuss how he thought people defended themselves against anxiety.
• 55-4 Identify which of Freud’s ideas his followers accepted and rejected.
• 55-5 Describe projective tests and how they are used, and discuss some criticisms of them.
• 55-6 Discuss how contemporary psychologists view Freud’s psychoanalysis, and describe how modern research has developed our understanding of the unconscious.