Topic > Psychoanalytic Theory and Defense Mechanisms

The introduction of psychoanalytic theory into the field of psychology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Sigmund Freud provided an innovative approach towards examination and treatment an individual's behaviors. Through Freud's definition of psychoanalysis, the idea was encompassed that behaviors are not random, but rather full of meaning. In general terms Freud saw psychoanalysis as the attribution of thoughts and actions to an individual's unconscious motives and conflicts through the use of personality and therapeutic methods. Within this theory Freud developed an idea of ​​an individual's mind by analyzing it relative to an iceberg. Just like an iceberg, containing various exposed and hidden regions, Freud viewed his own knowledge through the same lens. He generated a clear vision of the human mind in three distinct categories: the Id, the Ego and the Superego. In relation to an iceberg, the Es serves as part of the structure completely immersed in water. Analysis of the role of the id in the human mind provides a better understanding of this position. Freud described the id as the division of the human mind that functions as an unconscious source of sexual drives, instincts, irrational impulses, pleasure, and instant gratification. Since the id's sole concern revolves around satisfaction and pleasure, it is easy to link such behaviors to those of a child who shows only anxiety about his own gratification. The second division is the Superego, the part of the human mind fixated on distinguishing the difference between right and wrong in an attempt to achieve perfection. It represents the unconscious set of ideals of the mind while maintaining standard judgments... at the center of the card... be as they are. It simply provides one aspect of the process. Freud manages to describe a vision of an individual's personality by establishing defense mechanisms and divisions of the mind. It produces valuable and innovative aspects about personality and psychology that serve to be recognizable and effective within society. While I find his approach successful in many ways, I find it difficult to fully accept it. My main problem with Freud's approach is his aversion to the scientific concepts behind the idea of ​​personality in psychology. Although it develops an idea of ​​personality, it overemphasizes parental influence and repression, rather than focusing on genetics, biology, environment, and countless other aspects of an individual. To establish an adequate perspective on personality it is essential that all possible factors are included.