29/10/2021
Have you heard of the “Iceberg Model?”
I first learnt about the Iceberg Model while studying Psychology, where we were introduced to Freuds Iceberg of Consciousness. I also came across it while studying Anthropology when I learnt about the Cultural Iceberg Model. Now, it is used across a number of different disciplines to emphasis the relationship between what we may see on the surface, compared to the vast majority of workings going on below the surface- the stuff we don’t see that drives what we do.
The term ‘Iceberg Model’ is inspired by quite literally icebergs found in polar seas. An iceberg has visible parts on the surface of the water and invisible parts that are underwater. Often, up to 90% of an iceberg’s actual area remains hidden underwater.
Similarly, culture and behaviors have both visible and invisible components. The visible part of culture is the way we live and interact with each other, our traditions, food, and attire. The invisible part is our preferences, opinions, beliefs, and value systems etc.
The visible part when we are considering psychology is our behaviour. The invisible part are things such as history or past experience, executive functioning, social skills, developmental level, self esteem, emotions and so on. The large chunk of the iceberg that exists underwater determines the behavior that is visible above the surface.
If we want to understand ourselves and others more, it is imperative that we always consider what may be going on below the surface. There is ALWAYS a driving force or a reason for behaviour. What you see is quite literally the tip of the iceberg.
Anxiety can present itself in many, many different ways. But I guarantee you, there is always SO much more going on below the surface.
I challenge you, next time your child or someone you know does or says something that perhaps confuses you, ask the question… WHAT is driving this behaviour? WHY might they be acting or saying these things? What is going on below the surface?
When we focus on what’s underneath the surface it creates more space for empathy, which leads us to a better understanding of behaviour, which in turn leads us to being better able to help 🤍
