Sigmund Freud is considered the father of psychoanalysis and many of his views are still held today. He studied medicine and earned his medical degree from the University of Vienna. At 40 he did a self-analysis remembering his own childhood where he had hostility toward his father and there was an attraction with his mother. He formulated his theory as he observed patients work through their own problems in analysis. He worked many hours, which his work fills 24 volumes. He died in 1939 of cancer. .
Freud's view models the development of personality, a philosophy of human nature, and a method of psychotherapy. He believed human nature is deterministic and determined by internal forces, unconscious motivation, and biological and instinctual drives. These are said to evolve through key psychosexual forces within the first 6 years of life. These instincts are central to his approach. The libido, termed sexual energy was broadened to include the energy of all life instincts. When used constructively, these areas focus on growth, development, and creativity. Ultimately, both sexual and aggressive drives are strong reasons why people act the way they do. .
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Psychoanalytic View of Personality.
Id: Biological – We are all id at birth and this system is the primary source of psychic energy. It is ruled by the "pleasure principle", and aimed at decreasing tension and increasing pleasure. It is immoral and driven to satisfy instinctual needs. The id never matures.
Ego: Psychological – The executive branch of our personality, which controls personality. The ego mediates instincts and the surrounding environment. This system is ruled by the "reality principle." Here, realistic and logical thinking takes place that checks and controls blind impulses of the id. .
Super Ego: Social – Moral control of good or bad. The super ego represents the ideal works toward "perfection".