02.Freudian Theory of Personality

 By Mithini Punsara


Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was the founder of psychoanalysis, a theory of how the mind works and a method of helping people with mental distress. Freud was born on May 6, 1856 in Freiberg, Moravia into a family of Jewish wool traders.

Sigmund Freud is known as a psychologist who presented definite scientific opinions about personality. Freud has explained the human personality by following the states in the human being and observing their certain behavior patterns. Freud used the concept of "mind" to express his opinion and divided it into 03 categories as follows.

1.       Conscious Mind

2.       Unconscious Mind

3.       Preconscious Mind



Figure 1 : verywellmind.com

 

According to Freud, the conscious mind is what a person is aware of at a given time. And the unconscious mind cannot be awakened very easily and the preconscious mind consists of things that are currently suppressed but are easily brought to mind later. Thus the mind can be divided into 03 main systems as follows.

 

1.       ID Complex

2.       EGO Complex

3.       Super EGO Complex

The ID complex is an entirely unconscious version of man's biological impulses. And the Ego complex represents the individual's logic and this is the mental conflicts in the subconscious. The Super Ego reflects man's ethics.


Figure 2 : homework.study.com

 

Personality Development According to Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud presented the development of individual personality in his theory of personality and named it as “psycho sexual period". Freud called this theory the mental condition test theory and here the psycho sexual development period of a person is divided into 05 basic stages as follows.

 

l  Oral stage until 0-1 years of age

l  The infantile stage is between the ages of 1-4 years

l  Adolescent stage up to 4-6 years of age

l  Stages up to 6-12 years of age

l  Reproductive stage from age 12-18

 

Thus, it appears that the main dynamics of the individual's overall personality, such as ID, EGO and SUPER EGO, affect the identification of the individual's personality according to the changes over time.


References

Kendra Cherry, Mse. (2023) The structure and levels of the mind according to freud, Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-conscious-and-unconscious-mind-2795946 (Accessed: 01 November 2023).

(No date a) Provide ideas of mind map to represent the concept of Id, ego, and ... Available at: https://homework.study.com/explanation/provide-ideas-of-mind-map-to-represent-the-concept-of-id-ego-and-superego-as-described-by-sigmund-freud.html (Accessed: 01 November 2023).

The Freudian theory of personality (no date) Journal Psyche. Available at: https://journalpsyche.org/the-freudian-theory-of-personality/ (Accessed: 01 November 2023). 




Comments

  1. Dinesh Ekanayake8 November 2023 at 07:32

    Very Interesting topic.Please explain what are some key aspects of Sigmund Freud's theories on personality, and how have they been adapted or critiqued in contemporary psychology to better understand human behaviour and personality development?"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mithini Punsara Abeyrathne9 November 2023 at 08:09

      Thank you Dinesh Ekanayake.
      In contemporary psychology, Freud's ideas have been both adapted and critiqued. Psychodynamic approaches, influenced by Freud, still explore the unconscious but have evolved to incorporate modern research methods. Freud's emphasis on childhood experiences has informed attachment theory and developmental psychology. However, Freud's theories have also faced criticism, particularly for their lack of empirical support and overemphasis on sexuality. Contemporary psychologists have embraced more evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, while acknowledging Freud's historical significance in shaping the field of psychology.

      Delete
  2. Dammika Sudesh8 November 2023 at 08:32

    Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, introduced the concept of the conscious, unconscious, and preconscious mind, as well as the influential ID, Ego, and Superego model, shaping modern psychology. Freud's psychosexual stages explain personality development across distinct life phases.
    And in what ways has Freud's ID, Ego, and Superego model influenced contemporary psychology and our understanding of moral and ethical development?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mithini Punsara Abeyrathne9 November 2023 at 08:16

      Hi Mr Dhammika
      Freud's ID, Ego, and Superego model has significantly shaped contemporary psychology and our understanding of moral and ethical development. This foundational theory introduced by Sigmund Freud highlights the dynamic interplay between instinctual drives (ID), rational thinking (Ego), and societal norms (Superego). Modern psychology continues to incorporate these concepts, recognizing the intricate balance between unconscious desires, conscious decision-making, and societal influences in human behavior. Moreover, Freud's model has contributed to the exploration of moral and ethical development, shedding light on the internal conflicts individuals face when making moral choices. By acknowledging the influence of subconscious desires and societal expectations, psychologists gain valuable insights into human decision-making processes, enabling a more nuanced understanding of moral and ethical dilemmas in contemporary society.

      Delete
    2. Dammika Sudesh9 November 2023 at 08:29

      Hi Mithini, Thank you for the explanation on my query

      Delete
  3. Masha Rupasinghe.8 November 2023 at 19:49

    Interesting and nicely explained it Quite simply ..looking forward to the next artificial 👍

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mithini Punsara Abeyrathne9 November 2023 at 08:13

    Yes, I'm agree with you Mr Ekanayake.
    Good behavior among people within an organization has a profound positive impact on the overall work environment, employee morale, and productivity. When individuals exhibit respect, empathy, and cooperation, it fosters a positive atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported. This, in turn, enhances teamwork, encourages open communication, and strengthens interpersonal relationships. Positive behavior promotes a culture of trust, which is essential for a healthy work environment. When employees trust their colleagues, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, share ideas, and work towards common goals. Furthermore, good behavior reduces conflicts and misunderstandings, leading to a more harmonious workplace. Respectful and positive interactions also contribute to increased employee satisfaction and engagement, which can boost productivity and creativity. Ultimately, a workforce that demonstrates good behavior not only creates a pleasant workplace but also enhances the organization's reputation, attracts top talent, and fosters long-term success.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amodinee Jayawardena20 November 2023 at 06:30

    Dear Mithini,
    This is a very interesting article and here according to Freud, concept of Mind is divided in to three types ;ID, EGO and SUPER EGO. How this will affect the people's behavior and for the organization employee work?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mithini Punsara Abeyrathne20 November 2023 at 06:53

      Dear Amodinee, According to Freudian psychology, the mind is divided into three components: the ID (primitive instincts and desires), the EGO (mediator between ID and reality), and the SUPEREGO (internalized societal norms). In an organizational context, these elements influence employee behavior. The ID may drive impulsive and self-serving actions, the EGO balances individual desires with organizational norms, and the SUPEREGO guides behavior based on societal and organizational expectations. Understanding these dynamics helps managers comprehend and manage employee motivations, facilitating a harmonious balance between personal needs and organizational goals.

      Delete
  6. Mithini Punsara Abeyrathne26 November 2023 at 06:40

    Dear Zeenath, Thank you for your comment. Contemporary psychology has evolved beyond Freudian principles to include different perspectives and approaches. Behaviorism emerged as a response to Freud's emphasis on the unconscious mind, emphasizing observable behavior. Cognitive psychology focused on mental processes, challenging Freud's exclusive focus on the unconscious. Humanistic psychology emphasized individual potential and individual development, away from Freud's deterministic ideas. The advent of neuroscience brought a biological perspective, linking behavior to brain function. In addition, socio-cultural and evolutionary psychology broadened the scope by considering social and evolutionary factors. Integrating multiple perspectives, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior and cognition, dominates modern psychology. This evolution reflects the dynamic and adaptive nature of the field.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sumeda Jayalath (E218399)29 November 2023 at 22:07

    Dear Mithini,
    Your article offers a concise overview of Sigmund Freud's foundational contributions to psychology, particularly in formulating the structure of the mind and personality development.
    Freud's division of the mind into the conscious, unconscious, and preconscious realms, elucidating their distinct functions, provides a fundamental understanding of human cognition and behavior.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mithini Punsara Abeyrathne30 November 2023 at 09:07

      Thank you Sumedha. Sigmund Freud revolutionized psychology by delineating the mind into conscious, preconscious, and unconscious realms. The conscious mind processes current thoughts, the preconscious stores accessible memories, and the unconscious holds repressed desires. Freud's model remains pivotal in understanding human cognition and behavior, shaping the foundation of modern psychology.

      Delete
  8. H P ASOKA PATHIRANA2 December 2023 at 05:56

    Thank you for the simple way of presenting, Personality Development play the major role in organization. People development decide organization future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mithini Punsara Abeyrathne2 December 2023 at 08:02

      Yes Ashoka, People development is the cornerstone of organizational success. Investing in employees' skills, growth, and well-being shapes a resilient workforce, fosters innovation, and ensures a sustainable and prosperous future for any organization.

      Delete

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