psychodynamics
noun
psy·cho·dy·nam·ics ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-miks 
-də-
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: the psychology of mental or emotional forces or processes developing especially in early childhood and their effects on behavior and mental states
2
: explanation or interpretation (as of behavior or mental states) in terms of mental or emotional forces or processes
3
: motivational forces acting especially at the unconscious level
psychodynamic
ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-mik
adjective -də-
psychodynamically
ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈna-mi-k(ə-)lē
adverb -də-
Word History
First Known Use
1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
psychodynamics
noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
psy·cho·dy·nam·ics ˌsī-kō-dī-ˈnam-iks, -də-
1
: the psychology of mental or emotional forces or processes developing especially in early childhood and their effects on behavior and mental states
2
: explanation or interpretation (as of behavior or mental states) in terms of mental or emotional forces or processes
3
: motivational forces acting especially at the unconscious level