Question

___________ ____________ is the term Freud used to describe unconscious strategies used to reduce anxiety.

Short answer

The term Freud used to describe unconscious strategies used to reduce anxiety is 'Defense Mechanisms'.

Step-by-step solution

Recall Freud's Theory

Start by recalling Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which talks about conscious and unconscious aspects of the mind. Freud introduced many theories and terminologies in psychology, particularly concepts regarding the reduction of anxiety.

Connect to Anxiety Reduction

The second step is linking the correct term to Freud's concept of how unconscious strategies are used to reduce anxiety. In Freud's theory, these strategies are mechanisms adopted by our psyche to deal with unwanted or unknown feelings or situations that lead to anxiety.

Identify the Term

Finally, you must identify the term. Within the context of Freud's theory, 'defense mechanisms' describes the unconscious strategies used to reduce anxiety. Defense mechanisms operate at an unconscious level and help to ward off unpleasant feelings or make good things feel better to the individual.

Key concepts

Sigmund Freud

The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, is a towering figure in the field of psychology. His contributions have significantly shaped the way we understand human behavior and the mind. Freud's work delved into the depths of the psyche, exploring areas that were previously ignored or misunderstood. He proposed that our behavior is greatly influenced by the unconscious mind — a storehouse of feelings, thoughts, and memories outside of our conscious awareness.

Freud's enigmatic personality and complex theories continue to be a subject of interest and debate among both proponents of psychoanalysis and its critics. Despite the controversy, his ideas remain a cornerstone of many contemporary psychological practices, and his theories continue to influence various fields including literature, art, and even pop culture.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychoanalytic theory was developed by Freud and revolves around the idea that human behavior is largely influenced by unconscious forces. According to this theory, our personality is shaped by our childhood experiences and innate drives, such as those for aggression and sexuality. Freud also suggested that the mind is divided into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego.

The id is the primal part of the mind that seeks immediate gratification. The superego serves as the moral compass and strives for perfection, while the ego is the rational part that mediates between the urges of the id and the moralistic demands of the superego. This internal struggle often leads to the use of defense mechanisms, as the mind attempts to balance these competing forces.

Unconscious Mind

The unconscious mind is a core element of Freud's psychoanalytic theory. It contains thoughts and feelings that are not readily accessible to conscious awareness but have a significant impact on our behaviors and emotions. The idea posits that many of these unconscious contents are unacceptable or unpleasant, such as traumatic memories, aggressive and sexual impulses, and irrational wishes.

Freud believed that many of our actions are driven by this unconscious activity, influencing decisions and behaviors in ways that we may not be directly aware of. The unconscious mind is also the domain where defense mechanisms operate, according to Freud, managing feelings and thoughts that if acknowledged, could lead to anxiety or distress.

Anxiety Reduction Strategies

Anxiety reduction strategies in Freudian psychoanalytic theory refer to defense mechanisms. These mechanisms are unconscious processes that protect the individual from feelings of anxiety and help maintain psychological stability. They’re seen as natural and normal ways to cope with emotional stress.

Common defense mechanisms include repression, denial, projection, and rationalization. For instance, repression involves pushing distressing memories out of conscious awareness, while projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable desires to someone else. By employing these strategies, the ego seeks to mitigate internal conflicts between the id and superego, thus reducing anxiety. Understanding these concepts can help in recognizing the complex ways individuals deal with psychological stress.