Freud’s psychoanalytic theory primarily focuses on the unconscious mind because of the belief that it is the foundation on which a person’s behavior is built (Summers 1). Therefore, a person can unconsciously relate to the past life experiences, even when they never notice such a connection. From his perspective, Freud argued that the psychoanalytic theory of personality has three main elements, which are the id, the ego, and the superego (Summers 2).
In mid-December last year, I broke up with my fiancée. On the eve of the New Year, I decided to go on a date with my new catch. However, while at the restaurant, I accidentally called my new catch by my ex’s name. In literal sense, anyone can term it a slip of the tongue. However, according to the psychoanalytic theory, there is a deeper connection to the confusion. I may not know or openly accept, but it was an indicator that I still had an emotional connection with my ex.
Most often, when I walk into the shopping mall, I lay my eyes of colorful clothes. Even though I may not buy them, it is a feeling I cannot resist the urge to look at the cloth. I may go a step further and check the price, touch it to feel its texture, or check the manufacturer. Such is a feeling that Freud describes as “the Id”. The Id feeds on things that bring pleasure, and that could be the reason why some people engage in impulsive buying-because they cannot resist the urge of letting the pleasurable moment or object slip away.
Conclusion
The unconscious mind tends to control our desires. In most cases, it is impossible to imagine of being under the spell of the unconscious mind. From the above examples, it is evident that there is an inner emotional attachment that draws someone to something and they cannot hold it back.
Works Cited
Summers, Frank. “Beyond Inside and Outside: Psychoanalysis as Ways of Being-in-the- World.” Psychoanalytic Theory Perspectives, Techniques and Social Implications, edited by Phillip Fenton, Nova Publishers, 2014, pp. 1-22.
