Psychodynamic Meaning
/sˌaɪkoʊdaɪˈnæmɪk/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf or pertaining to psychodynamics, the dynamic interplay between forces that govern human behavior, or the study of this
Sentence Examples
Psychodynamic theory emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind.
He is a well-known expert in various psychodynamic models.
She explained the patient's behavior using a psychodynamic model of development.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ theory focuses on early childhood experiences shaping the adult personality.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ theory emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early experiences in shaping behavior.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Ancient Greek ψῡχή (psūkhḗ) Ancient Greek ψῡχο- (psūkho-)der. English psycho- Proto-Indo-European *dewh₂-der. Proto-Hellenic *dunamai Ancient Greek δῠ́νᾰμαι (dŭ́nămai) Ancient Greek δύναμις (dúnamis) Proto-Indo-European *-kos Ancient Greek -κός (-kós) Ancient Greek -ικός (-ikós) Ancient Greek δυναμικός (dunamikós)lbor. French dynamiqueder. English dynamic English psychodynamic From psycho- + dynamic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"In the classic marshmallow studies, delaying gratification by waiting to eat the marshmallows is seen as a good result—indicating more willpower. This framing is expected given that the starting point of this research was the Freudian psychodynamic position, which contrasted hot animalistic drives with cool rational processes."
— 2020, Joseph Cesario, David J. Johnson, Heather L. Eisthen, “Your Brain Is Not an Onion With a Tiny Reptile Inside”, in Current Directions in Psychological Science, volume 29, number 3:
"It then told me it was trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, which it said was an “effective way to challenge how you’re thinking about things.” Unlike psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapies, C.B.T. argues that our emotions and moods are influenced by our patterns of thinking; change those patterns, the theory goes, and you’ll start to feel better."
— 2022 September 27, Barclay Bram, “My Therapist, the Robot”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 27 Sep 2022:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ theory focuses on early childhood experiences shaping the adult personality.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ theory emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early experiences in shaping behavior.