Overeating Due to Anxiety

This paper will apply Freud's view of the problem of overeating due to anxiety. Included in the presentation will be a discussion of Freud's concepts related to: the unconscious; the id, ego, and superego functioning; developmental stages; and personality development. Applications of these concepts to the current behavior of obsessional overeating to deal with anxiety and feelings of inadequacy is also presented.

Freud presented the psychoanalytic view of human nature and the personality, noting that the human being has an energy system that is made up of unconscious instincts, biological drives, conscious and unconscious parts (Id, Ego, Super Ego), anxieties, and defense systems. Freud proclaimed that the libido went through four developmental stages: oral, anal, phallic, and genital. For Freud, childhood experiences and biological instincts determine the personality development and organization (Freud, 1966, p. 397; Gay, 1989, p. 7).

According to Freud, the ego represents all that we call reason and common sense, is based on reality, and controls consciousness. The ego acts as a protective shield against environmental stimuli, with the task of self-preservation. The id, a part of the unconscious, includes passions and impulses related to unrestricted pleasure. The ego acts as a gatekeeper for the id and unconscious material or unwelcome unconscious processes (Freud, 1966, p. 446; Gay, 1989, p. 11). When a person experiences a flooding of anxiety or depression

Related Essays

Tangential, Circumstantial, Incoherent Thought .... .... to ADHD may eventually be .... to the .... ADHD, to include Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Antisocial .... poor concentration, poor appetite or overeating, and feelings .... (2951 12 )

Love Addiction and Addictive Relationships .... These needs are typically .... to unfinished .... avoidance of intense psychological pain and anxiety. .... are addicted to substances, overeating, workaholism, gambling .... (2016 8 )

Causes of Stress in the Workplace Introduction 1 Wha .... American workers has been elevated .... to recessionary .... Bodily functions exhibit anxiety, tension, and fatigue. .... as alcoholism, drug abuse, overeating, and anger .... (3839 15 )

Psychological Diagnosis .... such as spending, gambling, sex, substance abuse, shoplifting, or overeating. .... and has lost 30 pounds .... to lack .... mood to another (eg from anxiety to depression .... (1980 8 )

Affects of Stress .... stress induced an oversensitive electrical response .... to the .... causes of stress such as anxiety, insecurity and .... Stress can also lead to overeating and obesity .... (2041 8 )

Category: Psychology - O