Freudian Theory: Unconscious Drives and Personality Development
Freudian Theory
Introduction
Previously, psychology focused on consciousness. Freud, however, emphasized the unconscious—all the ideas, thoughts, and feelings of which we are not normally aware. According to Freud, human behavior is based on three kinds of unconscious instincts or drives. Others, such as hunger, thirst, and self-preservation, are necessary for the survival of the individual. Finally, there is the desire for pleasure, which Freud believed is the most critical factor in the development
Read MoreDevelopmental Psychology: Key Concepts and Theories
Developmental Psychology: An Introduction
1. Definition of Developmental Psychology (Evolutionary Psychology)
Developmental psychology initially focused on describing behaviors at different ages, particularly in children and adolescents. Later, the focus shifted from simple description to explaining behavioral change.
2. Objectives in Studying Human Evolutionary Processes
The objectives in studying human evolutionary processes include:
- A – Describing changes with age and experience (cognitive, social,
Understanding Sexuality, Violence, and Affective Processes
The Value of Sexuality
Regarding introducing sexual practices from an early age, parents and schools cannot avoid this issue. Television and other media often depict sexual situations.
At school, teachers can teach about the responsible use of freedom, but they cannot prevent a student’s desires. Trying to suppress these desires is like trying to eliminate wine to prevent drunkenness, or eliminating night to prevent theft, or eliminating women to prevent male adultery.
The Value of Fearing Violence
Violence
Read MoreUnderstanding Learning Disabilities in Children
The Child with Learning Disabilities
A number of linguistic, biological, and social factors can contribute to learning disabilities. When these factors are not present, the child is often considered normal by family members and teachers. The first noticeable change is difficulty learning in school. The highest proportion of children diagnosed with learning disabilities is between 8 and 11 years of age.
Learning disabilities often occur together. It is uncommon to find children who are solely dysgraphic,
Read MoreHuman Evolution: From Prey to Culture
The Development of Human Dexterity and Tool Use
Our ancestors, a purely carnivorous species, stole freshly hunted prey. For this action, they must have acted in gangs, in an organized manner. The upper limbs, especially in relation to other species, have shortened. These limbs, exempted from motor functions, have been specializing in distinctly human functions. The opposable thumb is an inherited characteristic of older primates, but its primary function has been to cling to branches and, secondarily,
Read MoreUnderstanding Society: Key Concepts and Definitions
Key Concepts of Social Structures and Human Behavior
Power and Institutions
Power: Physical or material ability. Power compels others to obey and brings an end to resistance.
Institutions: Ordered systems with common interests that perform social functions.
Organizations: A set of people with a common objective.
Groups: Entities with differentiated parts: primary, secondary, and reference groups.
Ideology, Utopia, and Norms
Ideology: Values and beliefs that give rise to feelings and objectives, aiming
Read More