psychodynamics

[ sahy-koh-dahy-nam-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. any clinical approach to personality, as Freud's, that sees personality as the result of a dynamic interplay of conscious and unconscious factors.
2. the aggregate of motivational forces, both conscious and unconscious, that determine human behavior and attitudes:

   Mythologists see the myths as having developed through the psychodynamics of the human social psyche.

psychodynamics

/ ˌsaɪkəʊdaɪˈnæmɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular psychol the study of interacting motives and emotions

Derived Forms

• ˌpsychodyˈnamic, adjective
• ˌpsychodyˈnamically, adverb

Other Words From

• psy·cho·dy·nam·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of psychodynamics¹

First recorded in 1870–75; psycho- + dynamics

Example Sentences

For as I said before, even an ultimately developed psychodynamics can't do everything.

From Project Gutenberg

Doctor Stone's university course had not included psychodynamics in the female species.

From Project Gutenberg

Any of the standard texts on psychodynamics in education will show you the pitfalls to avoid when dealing with identical siblings.

From Project Gutenberg