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12/14/2025
Psychology
Freud’s theories
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Dec 14, 2025
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Freud's psychodynamic perspective is one of psychology's foundational theories about... Show more
Ever wonder why you do things without knowing exactly why? According to Freud, that's your unconscious mind at work! The psychodynamic perspective rests on two key assumptions: the powerful influence of the unconscious mind on our behaviour and the critical role of early childhood experiences in shaping who we become.
Freud used an iceberg analogy to explain the mind. Just as most of an iceberg remains hidden beneath water, Freud believed the majority of our thoughts, drives, and motivations exist below our conscious awareness in the unconscious mind. This hidden mental activity constantly influences our everyday behaviours and decisions.
When unconscious urges build up, they create what Freud called psychic tension. Since these unconscious thoughts can be disturbing, we develop defense mechanisms to protect ourselves. These include sublimation (channeling urges into socially acceptable activities), reaction formation (developing a hatred for qualities we unconsciously possess), and projection (attributing our own unwanted urges to others).
Interesting insight: Ever said something embarrassing that "just slipped out"? Freud would call this a "Freudian slip" (parapraxis) - an accidental glimpse into your unconscious desires and beliefs!
Have you ever had a dream so strange you couldn't explain it? Freud believed dream analysis provides a window into our unconscious mind. According to him, dreams represent unfulfilled wishes from the id (primitive desires) that break through only during sleep, often using symbolism to disguise their true meaning.
The second critical assumption of psychodynamic theory is that what happens when we're young profoundly affects us as adults. Your personality type might directly relate to problems you encountered during childhood development. This connection between early experiences and adult personality forms the cornerstone of psychodynamic therapy.
Freud controversially suggested that young children experience a form of sexual pleasure, though not in the adult sense. This developmental concept became central to his theory of personality formation and later psychological problems.
Remember this: While some of Freud's ideas seem outdated today, his recognition that early childhood experiences shape adult personality remains widely accepted in modern psychology.
Imagine your personality being shaped by how well you navigate different developmental challenges. That's essentially what Freud proposed with his theory of psychosexual development - that children's pleasure shifts location throughout development, and problems during any stage can permanently affect personality.
The journey begins with the oral stage where the libido (psychic energy) focuses on the mouth. Babies find pleasure through sucking and swallowing, later through biting and chewing. Next comes the anal stage with focus shifting to the anus, where controlling bowel movements becomes a source of pleasure and potential conflict.
Between ages 3-5, children enter the phallic stage where attention centers on the genitals. During this controversial stage, Freud believed both boys and girls become attracted to their opposite-sex parent. For boys, this creates what Freud called the Oedipus complex - a subconscious attraction to their mother accompanied by jealousy toward their father.
Think critically: While Freud's specific stages may seem outdated, his broader insight that development happens in predictable stages influenced many modern developmental theories you'll encounter in psychology.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Freud's psychodynamic perspective is one of psychology's foundational theories about human behaviour and personality development. It explores how unconscious mental processes and childhood experiences shape who we are and how we behave, often in ways we don't consciously recognise.
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Ever wonder why you do things without knowing exactly why? According to Freud, that's your unconscious mind at work! The psychodynamic perspective rests on two key assumptions: the powerful influence of the unconscious mind on our behaviour and the critical role of early childhood experiences in shaping who we become.
Freud used an iceberg analogy to explain the mind. Just as most of an iceberg remains hidden beneath water, Freud believed the majority of our thoughts, drives, and motivations exist below our conscious awareness in the unconscious mind. This hidden mental activity constantly influences our everyday behaviours and decisions.
When unconscious urges build up, they create what Freud called psychic tension. Since these unconscious thoughts can be disturbing, we develop defense mechanisms to protect ourselves. These include sublimation (channeling urges into socially acceptable activities), reaction formation (developing a hatred for qualities we unconsciously possess), and projection (attributing our own unwanted urges to others).
Interesting insight: Ever said something embarrassing that "just slipped out"? Freud would call this a "Freudian slip" (parapraxis) - an accidental glimpse into your unconscious desires and beliefs!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Have you ever had a dream so strange you couldn't explain it? Freud believed dream analysis provides a window into our unconscious mind. According to him, dreams represent unfulfilled wishes from the id (primitive desires) that break through only during sleep, often using symbolism to disguise their true meaning.
The second critical assumption of psychodynamic theory is that what happens when we're young profoundly affects us as adults. Your personality type might directly relate to problems you encountered during childhood development. This connection between early experiences and adult personality forms the cornerstone of psychodynamic therapy.
Freud controversially suggested that young children experience a form of sexual pleasure, though not in the adult sense. This developmental concept became central to his theory of personality formation and later psychological problems.
Remember this: While some of Freud's ideas seem outdated today, his recognition that early childhood experiences shape adult personality remains widely accepted in modern psychology.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Imagine your personality being shaped by how well you navigate different developmental challenges. That's essentially what Freud proposed with his theory of psychosexual development - that children's pleasure shifts location throughout development, and problems during any stage can permanently affect personality.
The journey begins with the oral stage where the libido (psychic energy) focuses on the mouth. Babies find pleasure through sucking and swallowing, later through biting and chewing. Next comes the anal stage with focus shifting to the anus, where controlling bowel movements becomes a source of pleasure and potential conflict.
Between ages 3-5, children enter the phallic stage where attention centers on the genitals. During this controversial stage, Freud believed both boys and girls become attracted to their opposite-sex parent. For boys, this creates what Freud called the Oedipus complex - a subconscious attraction to their mother accompanied by jealousy toward their father.
Think critically: While Freud's specific stages may seem outdated, his broader insight that development happens in predictable stages influenced many modern developmental theories you'll encounter in psychology.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Based on the Myer's Psychology Textbook
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Psychodynamic Theory, including Freud's psychosexual stages, the unconscious mind, and the tripartite personality model (id, ego, superego). This summary delves into the influence of childhood experiences on adult behavior, the Oedipus complex, and the implications for psychoanalytic therapy. Ideal for psychology students seeking a comprehensive understanding of psychodynamic principles.
PsychologyTheories of personality notes. Includes information on Freud, including his parts of personalities, theories of mind, and his psychosexual phases. Also covers basic information on the major neo-freudians & their major theories.
AP PsychologyExplore Freud's Psychodynamic Theory, focusing on the unconscious mind, the structure of personality (id, ego, superego), and psychosexual stages of development. This summary covers key concepts such as the Oedipus complex, the role of repression, and the implications of psychodynamic therapy. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand foundational theories in personality development and behavior.
PsychologySigmund Freud
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Freud's psychosexual stages, including the roles of the id, ego, and superego, and their influence on adult behavior. This summary delves into the psychodynamic approach, discussing the implications of unconscious processes, defense mechanisms, and the Oedipus and Electra complexes. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand foundational theories in psychoanalysis.
PsychologyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
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