Passer et al. (2009). The main focus of the psychodynamic theory is the effect of the unconscious mind on behaviour and emotions, however in order for the theory to be fully understood, it is essential to be aware of the assumptions that this perspective makes. One of the key ideas, fundamental to the psychodynamic perspective is the assumption that behavioural patterns executed as adults have direct links to previous childhood experiences. This assumption can help to explain how traumatic childhood events can lead to further psychological issues as adults.
They both studied different ideas, and preached different views about how our mind functioned. While Maslow focused on the humanistic aspect of our personality, Jung focused on the psychoanalytic aspect. However, they were both inspired by two great people. Carl Jung was deeply influenced by Sigmund Freud who happens to be the father of psychoanalysis. Though he dismissed Freudian theory that stated that human personality was defined by their sexual drive and desires, he established that we have 2 states of unconscious.
It is a generalised concept that if the cause of the symptoms were tackled it would only be logical that the symptoms would then cease. The Psychodynamic theory assumes the personality is split into three parts, the id (most primitive, instinctive part we have from birth), the ego (logical, balances out the id and superego) and the superego or moral part of our personality. These areas influence our behaviour as well as the defence mechanisms of the ego, and the psychosexual stages of development. Defence mechanisms are used
This was suggested by Freud. This approach suggests that phobias are learnt through repression and displacement. Repression is a defence mechanism where thoughts that provoke distress are pushed into the unconscious mind so that they don’t have to be dealt with in the conscious mind. Displacement is another defence mechanism when emotions are diverted onto something else away from the thing that caused the anxiety. The theory is mainly based on Freud’s Little Hans study.
Freud believed that it was possible to link the psychosexual stages of development with adult neuroses. Freud identified that if the psychosexual stages of development where in any way interrupted at a certain time, then this would cause problems in later life. “Psychosexual development according to Freud proceeds as a series of interactions between dispositions and environment, mediated by a developing ego.” (Freud & Horney, Grossman,1986, p5) Thus, Freud stated that there were different stages of psychosexual
Outline and evaluate the psychodynamic approach to abnormality The psychodynamic approach assumes that experiences in our earliest years can affect our emotions, attitudes and behaviour in later years without us being aware that it is happening. Freud suggested the mind or psyche has three parts: the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious. Freud suggested that individuals can never be aware of the contents of the unconscious. Freud argued that childhood experiences play a crucial part in adult development, including the development of adult personality. Every child must pass through the so-called psycho-sexual stages; how a child experiences these stages plays a crucial role in the development of his/her personality.
For example, one psychologist may use descriptive psychopathology to which will strive to provide answers for symptoms or mental illness. Either way, psychopathology is formally used to study mental illness or the distresses which may be affecting an individual. The issues of the abnormal psychology will assist in the study by the way we would use it in the attempt to capture interest, trigger concerns, and demands our attention. It also brings us to form and ask certain questions pertaining to any study. Psychopathology is not the same as psychopathy, which has to do with antisocial
Abstract The concept of abnormal and normal personalities is debated consistently, however this essay will examine the sense in which it is justifiable to adopt this concept. Through psychodynamic, behavioural and humanistic approaches to personality foundations it will become evident that the moulding of one’s personality begins at the very early stages of childhood. In particular, fixations during phases of psychosexual stages and their developing repercussions on the id, ego and superego are evidence within psychodynamic studies to support this claim. What constitutes an “abnormal” or a “normal” personality and to what extent each exists is an endless debate which encompasses many paradigms. However, by looking at the psychodynamic approach to personality, it is evident that not only are abnormal and normal personalities apparent, but a correlation can be seen between Freud’s psychosexual stages and an adult’s behaviour and personality as an outcome.
Psychodynamic Theories Psychodynamic theories are those propounded by Sigmund Freud, which further describe the conflict among instincts, reasons, and conscience. Although many different psychodynamic theories exist, they all emphasize unconscious motives and desires, as well as the importance of childhood experiences in shaping personality. Psychodynamic theory is a view that explains personality in terms of conscious and unconscious forces, such as unconscious desires and beliefs. Psychoanalytic Theory The psychoanalytic theory focuses on the role of experiences, the unconscious, and emotions that shape one’s personality. It is based on three main assumptions: 1.
The second concept, coming out of C.G. Jung's analytical psychology, describes the process in which the individual Self develops out of an undifferentiated unconscious. It is a developmental, psychical process, the process whereby the innate elements of personality, the different experiences of a person's life and the different aspects and components of the immature psyche become integrated over time into a well-functioning whole. [citation needed] There is a region where the two could be said to blur into each other, but it is important to recognize that they are in fact speaking of two different (though related) things. [citation needed] According to Jungian psychology, individuation is a process of psychological integration, having for its goal the development of the individual personality.