The general description of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is through his famous analogy of the personality to an iceberg. According to Freud, comparing the mind to an iceberg, as shown in the visual representation below, the apex of the iceberg is considered the conscious level; the middle portion or the pre-conscious level as the readily accessible awareness facet; and finally, the unconscious level is depicted down below as inaccessible and hidden (Rana par. 5). As such, Freud identified three levels of consciousness: the conscious, unconscious, and the preconscious. The conscious level is aptly describe as the most evident part of one’s personality which is apparently within the persons’ awareness. The unconcious level is deeply imbedded, mysterious, and that which people are totally unaware of. Finally, the preconscious level was disclosed at that particular level which people are not actually aware of; but is allegedly easily accessible . The visual illustration of the analogy is shown below:
Source: Cherry
Likewise, Freud’s psychoanalytic theory apparently describes three crucial constructs: the id, ego, and the superego. The id was noted to be the most primitive part of one’s personality where the dominant operating principle was emphasized as that of pleasure and the need for gratification. Likewise, other significant part of the id were noted as eros (life instinct) and thanatos (death instinct). Finally, the energy that was revealed to be imminent for the id is pegged as libido, which is aptly described as flowing and dynamic .
Concurrently, the ego was described as predominantly objective. In addition, the ego was noted to operate on the basis of an explicitly indicated reality principle; as well as concerns and issues relating to the environment. Likewise, the ego was deemed regulated through the libido, which apparently serves as a check and balance mechanism of personality .
In addition, the superego was described using the following adjectives: represents values, standards, judgement, perfection. It was also noted to sanction the ego with guilt feelings, as required. In addition, it also serves as a tool that provides rewards leading to feelings of ultimately attaining a sense of self-esteem . These three constructs of personality were determined to be instrumental in a person’s behavior in any given setting or situation. As such, it was contended that the patterns of behavior that are constantly manifested become the basis for the development of personality.
Also described as part of Freud’s psychoanalytical theory are concepts of the child’s stages of development throught the psychosexual years of development. Freud identified the different stages according to the years of the children’s life as follows: 1st year: the oral stage; 2nd year: the anal stage; 3rd – 5th years: phallic stage; 6th – 12th years: the period of latency; and finally years after puberty: the genital stage . The length of time within which each child stays or evolves in each stage were acknowledged to be different and distinct.
Finally, another concept discussed in the psychoanalytical theory of Freud is the concept of defence mechanisms . Accordingly, this theory is apparently the framework for creating a protective stance against anxiety. Through this theory, other concepts pertaining to repression, fixation, and regression; among others, also allegedly emerge. The psychoanalytica theory was likewise noted to be therapeutic, as it apparently provides the comprehensive assessment needed to recommend the most appropriate intervention that have resulted from the determination, assessment, and evaluation of manifested cognitive disorders in one’s personality.
Works Cited
Cherry, Kendra. "The Conscious and Unconscious Mind." 2013. About.com Psychology. http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/consciousuncon.htm. 23 May 2013.
Rana, Himmat. "Sigmund Freud." May 1997. Muskingum College. http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/freud.htm#Theory. 23 May 2013.
