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Psychodynamic: meaning, definitions and examples

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psychodynamic

 

[ ˌsaɪkoʊdaɪˈnæmɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

psychology theory

Psychodynamic refers to a psychological perspective that emphasizes the influence of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences on current behavior. This approach is often associated with the work of Sigmund Freud, who proposed that human behavior is driven by complex mental processes, including repressed emotions and childhood experiences.

Synonyms

dynamic psychology, unconscious psychology.

Examples of usage

  • Psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering unconscious motives.
  • The psychodynamic model explains behavior as influenced by early relationships.
  • Many therapists use psychodynamic principles in their practice.

Etymology

The term 'psychodynamic' has its roots in the early 20th century and is heavily associated with the works of Sigmund Freud, especially his theories of the unconscious mind. The word combines 'psycho,' relating to the mind, and 'dynamic,' which comes from the Greek 'dynamis,' meaning power or force. Freud's exploration of the dynamic interactions between conscious and unconscious processes led to the development of various psychodynamic theories. Over time, this approach expanded beyond Freud's original ideas to incorporate elements from various schools of thought, including ego psychology and object relations theory. As a result, 'psychodynamic' has become a term that encapsulates a broader understanding of the interplay between conscious and unconscious factors that influence human behavior and emotional functioning.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,675, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.