Psychodynamic Theorist Paper
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Psychodynamic Theorist Paper
Personality theories vary, however all agree that it involves personality structures, processes and development. Psychodynamic theory is a theory that studies human behaviors, with an emphasis in the motivation and relation between the conscious and unconscious mind. Sigmund Freud develop the original theory, and through the years others have enhanced and expanded upon his findings, such as Erick Erickson, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler among others. This paper will address their influences, viewpoints, and how relevant their concepts are still to todays culture.
Freud
Freud became interested in personalities because he wanted to provide a conceptual model for understating the mind; he was puzzle by the structure of the mind and what it was used for. Freud provided two models, which complemented one another the conscious mind and the unconscious mind, and this is how the whole theory came to originate. In 1923 Freud further augmented his theory to now include the Id, Ego, and Superego, he alleged that each is a “distinct meal system that carries out a particular type of psychological function. (Cervone, Pervin, 2010, p. 7). The Id, is the original force that drives all mental energy, wanting constant satisfaction at any cause. The Ego seeks reality; it is the middle ground between the Id and the Superego, which constantly seeks perfection keeping in mind morals and social behavior. These were the basis of his theory, from here he elaborated into dreams, life and death instincts, the other complexes. Freud still today is considered by many the father of psychoanalysis.
Freuds Influence
Although to this day many psychologists differ from Freuds theories and concepts, most do refer back to his finding to verify new theories and compare ideas. Freuds influence is ever present Freud demonstrated that some of our behavior patterns are biologically innate to humans. Freud also demonstrated that society plays an important role in ones actions. Furthermore, with Dr. Breuer he was able to determine that neurotic symptoms can be caused by psychological traumas. He is most renowned for his ego defenses, “Even if one is uncomfortable with Freuds idea of the unconscious, it is clear that we engage in little manipulations of reality and our memories of that reality to suit our own needs, especially when those needs are strong.” (Boeree, 2012, p. 8). Finally, the basic form of therapy has been accredited to Freud.
Dissent from his Viewpoint
Many theorists accepted some of Freuds concepts, however dissent also came about Erikson contrary to Freud believed that development was not only psychosexual; he believed it was also psycho social. Erikson developed eight stages of development and the implication of the stages in personality. Carl Jung like Freud was also interested in dream analysis and symbolization, Jung and Freud met a couple of times to discus psychoanalytical journals, meeting for the last time at the Fourth International Psychoanalytical Congress where Jung spoke about psychological types of introverted, and extraverted people, here is where Jung and Freud greatly differ on people. Lastly, Alfred Adler who believed that people are born
with physical inadequacies, which makes young children feel inferior to those around them. As a result, people commit very early in life to rid themselves of these feelings of inferiority. There are, however, two ways to overcome those feelings: striving for success and striving for superiority,