The Psychodynamic theory emphasizes the concept of unresolved conflict. In the case of Selective Mutism, this theory supposes that the individual has

1. an oral and/or anal fixation and may be maintaining a family secret or some kind of family-related discomfort (such as abuse, divorce, death, a life threatening experiences, frequent house moving), and/or
2. have displaced anger towards a family member (such as a parent), or is involved in a family relationship characterized by dependence, ambivalence, and an excessive need to control -- the neurotic relationship between the parent and the child with SM may carry over to the child's interactions with others, and/or
3. is regressing to a nonverbal stage in their development.

The Selective Mutism is hence viewed as a coping mechanism to deal with that anger and anxiety from this repression, representing the behavior as a way to punish the individual's parents and other family members.

This theory has very little empirical data to support this model, and hence is a theory that is currently losing validity.