Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Psychische Determinismus / Español: Determinismo psíquico / Português: Determinismo psíquico / Français: Déterminisme psychique / Italiano: Determinismo psichico /

Psychic determinism refers to a major assumption of Freudian Theory that holds that everything one does has meaning and is goal directed.

Psychic determinism is a concept in psychology that suggests that all human behavior is determined by unconscious forces, motives, and conflicts. These forces are believed to be influenced by early childhood experiences and are not within conscious control. This concept was developed by Sigmund Freud, who believed that our behavior and thoughts are shaped by our unconscious mind, and that our conscious mind is simply an observer of these underlying forces.

According to Freud, every thought, action, and emotion that we experience is the result of psychological factors that are beyond our control. These factors are the result of unconscious conflicts and desires that are rooted in our early childhood experiences. For example, a person who experiences intense feelings of guilt or shame may be struggling with unconscious conflicts related to their upbringing or past experiences.

Another example of psychic determinism can be seen in the phenomenon of slips of the tongue. Freud believed that these slips, such as accidentally saying the wrong word or forgetting someone's name, are actually manifestations of unconscious desires or conflicts. For instance, a person who accidentally calls their boss "mom" may be revealing an unconscious desire for approval or recognition.

Freud also believed that dreams were a powerful tool for understanding psychic determinism. He argued that dreams provide insight into our unconscious desires and conflicts, and that they can reveal hidden thoughts and emotions that we are not aware of. For example, a person who dreams about falling may be experiencing anxiety or feelings of insecurity in their waking life.

There are many other examples of psychic determinism in psychology. For instance, the concept of the Oedipus complex, which suggests that children experience unconscious sexual desires for their parent of the opposite sex, is an example of psychic determinism. Similarly, the idea that individuals may experience psychological disorders as a result of unresolved unconscious conflicts is also rooted in the concept of psychic determinism.

It is important to note that not all psychologists agree with Freud's concept of psychic determinism. Some argue that human behavior is influenced by both conscious and unconscious factors, and that individuals have some degree of control over their thoughts and actions. However, despite these criticisms, the concept of psychic determinism has had a significant impact on the field of psychology and remains an important part of Freudian theory.

There are several similar concepts in psychology that are related to psychic determinism. One of these is the concept of determinism itself, which suggests that all events, including human behavior, are ultimately determined by previous causes. This concept is closely related to the idea of cause and effect, which suggests that every action has a specific cause that led to it.

Another similar concept is the idea of unconscious bias, which suggests that individuals may hold biases or stereotypes that are outside of their conscious awareness. These biases can influence behavior and decision-making, and may be influenced by unconscious factors such as upbringing or cultural conditioning.

Finally, the concept of free will is often contrasted with the idea of psychic determinism. Free will suggests that individuals have the ability to make choices that are not predetermined by previous factors or unconscious desires. This concept is often debated in philosophy and theology, and has important implications for ethical and moral decision-making.

In conclusion, psychic determinism is a concept in psychology that suggests that all human behavior is determined by unconscious forces, motives, and conflicts. This concept was developed by Sigmund Freud and has had a significant impact on the field of psychology. While not all psychologists agree with this concept, it remains an important part of Freudian theory and has led to important insights into human behavior and mental health.