2. Introduction to Perspectives in Psychology

3. The Psychoanalytic Perspective

Focus

Behaviour is controlled by our unconscious thoughts and feelings.

Key ideas and treatment

Treatment through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.

Techniques include the use of free association, and the interpretation of dreams as sources of insight into unconscious desires.

Sigmund Freud: Credited with the theory of psychosexual development and the personality theory of the Id, Ego and Superego.

Freud's Theories

Another important early psychoanalyst was Carl Jung. Although he disagreed with some of Freud's ideas, especially the importance of sexuality, Jung also believed that our behaviour and personality is a result of our subconscious motivations.