PE80544: Dynamic psychology

Dear student, I’m really proud of the energy and eagerness you’re showing as you prepare to begin the module of Dynamic Psychology. This is not just another subject, it’s a journey into understanding the hidden forces that shape human thoughts, emotions, and behavior. I want to encourage you to put in your best effort, because what you learn here will not only deepen your knowledge but also help you understand yourself and others in a more meaningful way. It’s a challenging module, yes, but every hour you invest will open your mind to new perspectives about the human mind and personality. Stay curious, stay committed, and remember, growth comes to those who are willing to explore beyond the surface. Enjoy the learning of the module!

Module Objectives

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning and scope of dynamic psychology.
2. Identify and describe the key concepts such as unconscious, repression, conflict, defense mechanisms, and psychic energy.
3. Discuss the contributions of Freud and post-Freudian theorists to dynamic psychology.
4. Analyze the relationship between unconscious processes and behavior.
5. Apply the principles of dynamic psychology in understanding everyday life and counselling practices.

Module outline

Unit 1: Introduction to dynamic psychology

Unit 2: Basic principles of dynamic psychology

Unit 3: The psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud

Unit 4: Other psychodynamic theories

Unit 5: Theories involved in adaptive and maladaptive goal-directed behavior

Unit 6: Psychopathology from a dynamic perspective

Unit 7: Psychodynamic therapy

Unit 8: Modern developments in psychodynamic theory

Unit 9: Issues and debate in psychodynamics

Summary

Dynamic psychology is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the role of unconscious processes, inner conflicts, and motivational forces in shaping human behavior. It is rooted in psychoanalytic traditions but extends to different schools of thought that study how psychological energy (often referred to as drives, instincts, or motives) influences thought, emotion, and behavior.