The Role of the Unconscious
- The psychodynamic approach explains our conscious mind as the tip of the iceberg, and explains that most of our mind is made up of the unconscious parts.
The role of the unconscious
- Freud suggested that there are 3 parts to the mind:
- The conscious mind: This is what we are aware of, the part of the mind we are using to form conscious thoughts (the tip of the iceberg)
- The preconscious mind: This sits just below the surface of the conscious mind: it is where memories can be retrieved if needed
- The unconscious mind: This is the largest part of the iceberg and sits below the surface, it may hold disturbing and threatening memories plus the effects of trauma
- Although unconscious thoughts, wishes, desires and fears are hidden, they can show themselves in:
- Freudian slips e.g. 'I loathe my husband so much' (when the intended phrase was 'I love my husband so much') i.e. what is said appears to be said accidentally but it actually expresses the person's true, hidden feelings
- Dreams e.g. dreams of flying = the wish to break free from limitations, to be free; dreams of being naked in public = anxiety about others accepting you
Exam Tip
When asked to discuss the psychodynamic approach, the unconscious mind must be at the forefront of your explanation. Freud states the unconscious mind is a vast storehouse that plays a significant part in thoughts, behaviour and personality. The unconscious mind plays a key role in both understanding the psychodynamic approach and the attendant treatments/therapies.
