Discuss the concepts of human behavior of aggression, sexual instincts, conflict around internal drives, and the unconscious in relation to the case

Case Study:
George, a 35-year-old male, is a high school teacher who taught physical education and coached the school track team. Making false statements such as being the coach of an Olympic track along with the tendency to become enraged by minor provocation easily, George is now hospitalized. During university, he attended counseling and was prescribed anti-depressants because George presented signs incongruent with his normal personality.
Prior to his hospitalization, George presented similar symptoms to his first episode and stated he experienced constant worrying about his job and team. His family state that George has become tense, anxious, and depressed, adding that George spends long hours asleep or staring at the ceiling. George has quit his job stating personal incompetence and sees suicide as the only possible solution to the current issues.
Use the Psychoanalytic theory to analyze the case.
Discuss the concepts of human behavior of aggression, sexual instincts, conflict around internal drives, and the unconscious in relation to the case.
How do the id, ego, and superego apply to this case?
What could be the way to assess the client’s issues from a Freudian perspective?
What are the strengths and limitations of using this approach?

ANSWER

Psychoanalytic Theory Analysis of George’s Case

Aggression:

George’s aggression may be a manifestation of his id, the part of the personality that seeks immediate gratification of its impulses. His id may be demanding that he express his anger and frustration, even if it means lashing out at others.

Sexual Instincts:

Freud believed that all human behavior is motivated by sexual instincts. In George’s case, his sexual instincts may be sublimated into his work as a coach. However, it is also possible that his sexual instincts are repressed, which could be contributing to his anxiety and depression.

Conflict Around Internal Drives:

George may be experiencing conflict between his id and superego, the part of the personality that internalizes societal norms and values. His id may be demanding that he express his anger and frustration, while his superego may be forbidding him from doing so. This conflict could be causing him a great deal of anxiety and distress.

The Unconscious:

Freud believed that the unconscious mind plays a significant role in human behavior. George’s unconscious mind may contain repressed memories and experiences that are contributing to his current symptoms. For example, he may have experienced childhood trauma that has led him to develop a fear of failure or incompetence.

Id, Ego, and Superego:

Id: The id is the part of the personality that seeks immediate gratification of its impulses. It is governed by the pleasure principle, which is the desire to avoid pain and maximize pleasure.
Ego: The ego is the part of the personality that mediates between the id and the superego. It is governed by the reality principle, which is the ability to delay gratification and adapt to the demands of reality.
Superego: The superego is the part of the personality that internalizes societal norms and values. It is governed by the moral principle, which is the desire to be good and avoid wrongdoing.
In George’s case, his id may be demanding that he quit his job and express his anger and frustration. His ego may be trying to mediate between his id and superego by helping him to find a way to express his anger and frustration in a healthy way. His superego may be forbidding him from quitting his job and expressing his anger and frustration, as these behaviors would be considered unacceptable by society.

Assessment from a Freudian Perspective

To assess George’s issues from a Freudian perspective, a therapist would likely use a variety of techniques, including:

Free association: Free association is a technique in which the client is encouraged to say whatever comes to mind, without censoring themselves. This can help the therapist to uncover repressed thoughts and feelings.
Dream analysis: Dream analysis is a technique in which the therapist helps the client to interpret their dreams. Dreams can provide valuable insights into the client’s unconscious mind.
Transference: Transference is a phenomenon in which the client transfers their feelings about other people onto the therapist. This can help the therapist to understand the client’s relationships with others and to identify any unresolved conflicts.
Strengths and Limitations of the Psychoanalytic Approach

The psychoanalytic approach has a number of strengths, including:

It can help people to understand their unconscious mind and to resolve repressed conflicts.
It can help people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with others.
It can be used to treat a wide range of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
However, the psychoanalytic approach also has some limitations, including:

It can be a time-consuming and expensive form of therapy.
It can be difficult to measure the effectiveness of psychoanalytic therapy.
Some people may find the psychoanalytic approach to be too introspective and focused on the past.
Overall, the psychoanalytic approach can be a valuable tool for helping people to understand and resolve their psychological problems. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations and to choose a therapist who is experienced in this approach.

Conclusion

George’s case is complex and likely involves a number of factors, including his early childhood experiences, his personality type, and his current life stressors. A psychoanalytic approach could be helpful in helping George to understand his unconscious mind and to resolve any repressed conflicts. However, it is important to note that the psychoanalytic approach is not the only approach to psychotherapy, and there are other approaches that may be more effective for certain individuals.