• Principle Theories

    From Bottom to Top Structure

    1

    SELF

    Fundamental Concept---------Self(and its needs), and not the instincts(Sexual and Aggressive needs), is the center of psychological motivation, organization and change in personality. It also assumes that psychological damage to the Self produces psychopathology. It is Self that acts to unify and direct personality functioning.

    2

    EGO

    Ego, often operates independently of id Impulses for potential Personal Growth, providing individuals with the means to prob-solving realistically and creatively

    3

    -OBJECT

    Self-Object Relations: Relationships between individuals and OTHER PEOPLE----Internal or External Objects| Real or Imagined----Regulate tensions and stresses

    • Internal Objects refer to Mental representations of real external people that exist within the individual self
    • External Objects generally denote psychologically Important people who support Cohesion of Self i.e. Infants---Parents| Childhood---Relatives, Siblings, Friends, Teachers Adulthood---spouses, social influencers, etc