Which factors affect our relationships and decisions?
The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, presented revolutionary theories on the unconscious mind and behaviour of people. There is no doubting the significant impact that Freudian thoughts have had on psychology, even though parts of his theories have been contested or disputed throughout time.
However, how applicable are these concepts to our day-to-day interactions with others and to making decisions?
According to Freud, our upbringing and unconscious processes influence our personalities, thoughts, and behaviours. He thought that suppressed memories, fears, and wants are stored in our unconscious minds and have an impact on our conscious decision-making.
In order to enhance our comprehension of how Freudian notions influence our relationships and decisions, let us examine many important topics:
- The Oedipus Complex: According to Freud, children harbour thoughts of jealously or resentment towards their same-sex parent during childhood and have unconscious sexual cravings for their opposite-sex parent.
The core tenet of this theory—which is hotly contested—is that our relationships with our parents or other primary carers shape who we are as adults.
Knowing how our early experiences influence our behaviour and expectations as adults can make it easier for us to manage relationships as adults. But theory's sexual component has been so severely challenged that it is no longer as powerful.
- Defence Mechanisms: Defence mechanisms are our unconscious methods of defending against unfavourable feelings or worry, according to Freud. Defence strategies that are frequently used include displacement, projection, denial, and repression.
These systems may show up in our day-to-day encounters, influencing our relationships and decision-making. To avoid hurt, someone might, for instance, suppress memories of a failed relationship, which could then affect their decision-making in future relationships.
- The Function of the Unconscious Mind: According to Freud, a large portion of our mental processes are unconscious. Our decisions can be influenced by our unconscious desires, worries, and thoughts—often without our conscious knowledge.
When we apply this idea to our daily lives, we find that a lot of the decisions and actions we do are influenced by things we might not quite comprehend or acknowledge.
So, practically speaking, how do these Freudian ideas affect our relationships and decisions?
Connections: Being aware of the impact of our past experiences and irrational wants might make us more self-aware and compassionate people.
It enables us to take stock of our actions, spot trends, and strive for more positive dynamics in our relationships. For instance, we can actively confront and heal any unresolved childhood issues or defensive mechanisms that are adversely affecting our relationships if we are aware of them.
Even if Freudian theories might not have all the answers, they can give important insights into the complexity of human behaviour. When we accept their importance in our daily lives, we become more self-aware in our decision-making and interpersonal interactions.
By investigating the unintentional impacts on our choices and interpersonal interactions, we enable ourselves to live more purposeful and happy lives.