Neurotransmitters, Freud, and Groupthink

Substances that alter a person’s state of consciousness rely on their chemical structure to either block or imitate a neurotransmitter to evoke a biological response (Connor, 1992). This biological response is often hormonal, with various components of the parasympathetic nervous system being activated – dilated pupils, increase heart rate, and increased blood pressure. This physical response can make it easy to recognize when someone is under the influence of a substance that alters neurochemistry.

Sigmund Freud’s idea of the unconscious is that it is the entire collection of automatic processes within the mind, including memory, affect, and motivation (Moore & Parker, 2008). According to Freud, the unconscious mind can be beneficial because it is responsible for dreams and for processing automatic thoughts that may not require the attention of the conscious mind. It is not beneficial at times because it is difficult to consciously change. If thoughts and feelings are largely determined by the unconscious, it could be nearly impossible to tap into the unconscious mind to discover what is causing these thoughts and feelings. It possible, however, to observe outward manifestations of the unconscious in the way of the “Freudian slip,” which is a verbal mistake that actually reveals the speaker’s true feelings on a subject. A person would likely not know the reason for a certain behavior if it were unconsciously driven.

Groupthink is easily maintained by the desire for harmony (Moore & Parker, 2008). Prejudice can develop as a result of groupthink. A negative behavior like prejudice will be maintained as long each individual in a group fails to speak out against it. In the interest of avoiding prejudice and groupthink, it is important to consider the moral implications of whatever behavior or ideology is being upheld. If the harmony of the group is not valuable enough to outweigh the morality, then individuals must make themselves heard.

References

Connor, G. S. (July 08, 1992). Neuropharmacology. Jama: Journal of the American Medical Association, 268, 2.)

Moore, B., & Parker, R. (2008). Critical thinking. (9 ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.