Key Takeaways

The psychodynamic approach is a psychological framework that examines how unconscious forces and early experiences shape human behavior. Here’s what you need to know:

• What is psychodynamics? The psychodynamic approach examines how unconscious drives, forces, and childhood experiences shape human behavior and personality.
• Historical foundation: Developed by Sigmund Freud between the 1890s and 1930s, psychodynamics includes all theories built upon his original psychoanalysis.
• Core assumptions: Four key principles guide psychodynamic theory—unconscious motives, childhood experiences’ lasting impact, determinism, and the tripartite personality structure.
• Modern relevance: Psychodynamic theory continues to influence contemporary psychology and therapeutic practices.

You don’t have to be a psychology major to have heard of Sigmund Freud. His name is perhaps the most well-known in the entire field of psychology. And that’s for good reason. His groundbreaking studies revolutionized how we understand the human mind and continue to influence modern psychology today.

In the 100-plus years since Freud first developed his theories, many other psychologists have built upon his approach. Taken together, this field of psychology is known as the psychodynamic approach—a framework that examines how unconscious forces and early experiences shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.¹ This article, based on required reading from Walden University’s MS in Psychology program, explores the history, core principles, and lasting relevance of psychodynamic theory.

What Is the Psychodynamic Approach in Psychology?

The psychodynamic approach is a comprehensive framework that examines human functioning through the lens of internal drives and forces, particularly those operating at an unconscious level. According to Saul McLeod’s article “Psychodynamic Approach in Psychology,”¹ this perspective focuses on the interaction between different structures of personality and how unconscious processes shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

While Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis was the original psychodynamic theory, the approach now encompasses all theories built upon his foundational ideas. This includes influential work by Carl Jung (1964), Alfred Adler (1927), and Erik Erikson (1950).

Understanding the Terminology

It’s important to distinguish between two commonly confused terms:

• Psychoanalysis: Refers specifically to Freud’s original theory and therapeutic method
• Psychodynamics: A broader term encompassing Freud’s work and all subsequent theories based on his ideas

The Origins of Sigmund Freud’s Revolutionary Work

Freud’s theories were clinically derived, meaning they emerged from direct observations of his patients during therapy sessions. Most commonly, he treated patients experiencing depression or anxiety-related disorders, using their experiences to build his theoretical framework. This practical, patient-centered approach set psychodynamic theory apart from other psychological perspectives of the time.

Major Milestones in Psychodynamic History

The development of psychodynamic theory includes several pivotal moments:

Early Foundations (1890s)

• Anna O, a patient of Dr. Joseph Breuer (Freud’s mentor), presented with hysteria.
• This case became foundational to understanding psychological trauma.

Establishing Psychoanalysis (1895–1902)

• 1895: Breuer and Freud published Studies on Hysteria, establishing that hysteria results from traumatic experiences that cannot be integrated into one’s worldview.
• 1896: Freud named his system “psychoanalysis” and replaced hypnosis with “free association.”
• 1900: The Interpretation of Dreams was published, cementing the psychoanalytical movement’s importance.
• 1902: The Psychological Wednesday Society was founded, later becoming the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society.

Expanding Influence (1909–1913)

• 1909: Freud and colleagues lectured in Massachusetts to prominent intellectuals including William James, Franz Boas, and Adolf Meyer.
• Post-1909: The International Psychoanalytic Association was established with Carl Jung as Freud’s designated successor.
• 1913: Jung and Freud’s collaboration ended due to disagreements about libido and the unconscious.

Continued Development

• Jung’s contribution: After 1913, Jung developed analytical psychology, introducing concepts like the collective unconscious and archetypes. His work expanded into religion, mythology, alchemy, and cultural phenomena.
• Anna Freud’s impact: Freud’s daughter became a major force in British psychology, particularly in applying psychoanalysis to children. Her notable work The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense (1936) remains influential.

The Four Core Assumptions of Psychodynamic Theory

Today, many psychologists continue to work in psychodynamics. And while individual researchers and theorists often diverge on specifics, they do adhere to the underpinnings of the theory as originally developed by Freud. These underpinnings can be expressed as four assumptions, which are, as McLeod writes:

1. Unconscious motives powerfully affect behavior and feelings. Our actions are often driven by forces we’re not consciously aware of.
2. Childhood experiences shape adult behavior. Psychological patterns and problems in adulthood typically have roots in early life experiences.
3. All behavior is determined and has a cause. Nothing is random—even seemingly insignificant actions like slips of the tongue have underlying causes, usually unconscious.
4. Personality consists of three parts. The tripartite model includes the id, ego, and superego, each playing distinct roles in psychological functioning.

These assumptions provide a profound framework for understanding human psychology and continue to influence therapeutic practices and research today.

How Can You Learn More About Psychology?

The importance of psychodynamics in the study of psychology cannot be overstated. However, when you enroll in Walden’s master’s in psychology program, psychodynamics is just one of the many topics you can explore. In fact, Walden’s master’s program in psychology offers several specializations, allowing you to focus on the area that best fits your interests and professional goals.

In addition to allowing you to tailor your master’s degree in psychology with a specialization, Walden also offers you the advantages of online learning. What advantages? For one, an online master’s in psychology program doesn’t require you to travel to a campus, giving you the ability to study from home instead. Another is that online psychology courses allow you to attend your master’s in psychology classes at whatever time of day works best for you.

Psychology is a dynamic and fascinating field that influences the way we think about ourselves and our society. And thanks to Walden’s online learning environment, earning a degree in psychology is more possible than ever before.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering an MS in Psychology degree program online. Expand your career skills and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.simplypsychology.org/psychodynamic.html

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Note on Licensure: The MS in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.