...Introduction Personality theorist are interested in the structure of an individual, how are people “put together”, how do they “work” and how do they “fall apart” (Boeree, n.d). Other personality theorists go as far as saying that they are looking for the essence of life, what it means to be a human being. Since the science of personality can be so complex, many psychologists have dedicated their life to the field of personality, attempting to understand and clarify what makes each individual unique and different from everyone. Several personality theories were born in the course of time, two of those theories of personality are called psychoanalytical and humanistic theories. This paper will further explain each of them, their strengths and limitations, their assumption, amongst other crucial factors for each approach. Psychodynamic Theories Various psychologists contributed to the formation of psychodynamic theories of personality including Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Karen Horney, Melanie Klein, Harry S. Sullivan, along with others, yet one of the most influential psychologists in psychodynamic theories was Sigmund Freud. While Freud’s theories were later changed or dismissed, his ideas and research were used by many others and have greatly influenced society as it is currently known; moreover his psychoanalytic theory was the original and primary psychodynamic theory which was adjusted by some of his followers previously mentioned. According to McLeod (2007), the psychodynamic approach...
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...Psychodynamic & Humanistic/Existential Approaches Psychodynamic & Existential/Humanistic Theories Psychodynamic and existential/humanistic theories vary greatly in their approach, dynamic, and assumptions. The succeeding compares and contrasts the two theoretical approaches paying attention to the assumptions presented by each approach, motives for behavior, and whether the approach is deterministic or not. To gain more perspective into each approach it is essential to learn about the different theories and theorists that developed and contributed to each. The key psychodynamic theorists presented include Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Carl Jung, Melanie Klein, Karen Horney, and Harry Stack-Sullivan. On the other side, the theorists that contributed to the existential/humanistic approach include Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Rollo May. Psychodynamic Theorists and Theories The founder of the psychodynamic approach to personality and psychoanalysis was Sigmund Freud. Freud’s views were focused mainly on sex and aggression as the basis for human motivation (Feist & Feist, 2009). According to Freud there are three distinct parts of human personality; the id, the ego and the super ego. And also three levels of consciousness; unconscious, preconscious and conscious. The two sets of three coincide with the id being part of the unconscious, the ego a part of both pre-consciousness and consciousness and the super ego also a part of the unconscious. A general assumption...
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...making each approach unique.’ Discuss what makes the psychodynamic approach unique. Refer to other approaches in your answer. (12 marks) In terms of human behaviour, psychology provides alternative perspectives, known as approaches, which give explanation to human behaviours. What makes each approach unique is that they all have their own focal points for how to explain behaviour. For example, the biological approach looks to the evolutionary processes and gene mutations/hormone levels, whilst the cognitive approach looks at how behaviour is influenced by internal mental processes. However, the psychodynamic approach is often questioned about what makes it unique when compared to other approaches. In my essay, I will discuss this. Pioneered by Freud, the first component of the psychodynamic approach that brings uniqueness is its assumptions for the root causes of behaviour. The psychodynamic approach reduces behaviours to hidden thoughts and instinctive drives, which Freud deemed as the unconscious mind. Freud argued that these instinctive drives have been present since birth, seeking to 'gain pleasure and avoid pain', influencing the choices that an individual may make and the behaviours they may produce in order to do so. This makes the approach unique because it relies heavily upon the unconscious mind, whilst other approaches such as the cognitive and social learning theory look to conscious experiences as an explanation of behaviour. The cognitive approach sees behaviour...
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...between Psychodynamic and Behaviourist Approaches Assumptions - The Psychodynamic Approach assumes that it is our unconscious mind, that we have no direct control of, that produces our behaviour. The Behaviourist Approach assumes that it is our past learning history that determines our behaviour, as Behaviourism assumes that all our behaviour is learned. Methodology - The Psychodynamic Approach tends to use Case Studies to investigate the cause of our behaviour. The Behaviourist Approach tends to use Experiments, but has the tendency to gather data using Observation, this is because of the importance Behaviourism places on observable behaviour. Scientific Approach - The Psychodynamic Approach takes a very idiographic approach. That means that a lot of the information has been interpreted by one individual and has not been objectively measured. The Behaviourist Approach, on the other hand, tends to use an objective, scientific approach, where behaviour is directly observed by an independent observer.. Reductionism - When something as complex as human behaviour is explained by the Psychodynamic and Behaviourist Approaches, they each simplify human behaviour in terms of their own approach. The Psychodynamic Approach explains human behaviour in terms of unconscious motivation, and the Behaviourist Approach explains it in terms of the importance of learned behaviour. Determinism - When looking at the factors that are thought to control human behaviour, the Psychodynamic Approach...
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...Personality Analysis Personality Analysis The personality of an individual is what makes him or her unique among others. That same uniqueness is what makes each person interesting to study and observe. The same set of identical twins may have all the same genetic makeup, but he or she will still have an individual personality to call his or her own. The study of personality is quite complex and involves many ideas and theories from wide variety of scholars. Personality is also something people can share and relate to with one another. According to Allport, “Personality is about what is unique to the individual, but it is also about what is shared across people” (Allport, 1962). Although there are several approaches to the personality analysis, this paper will specifically focus on the psychodynamic, humanistic and existential approaches. This paper will compare and contrast these theories, explore the characteristics that accompany these theories, and explain the interpersonal relational aspects associated with these particular theories. Psychodynamic Theory The theory of psychodynamics is the basic study of all psychological abilities that place an influence on human behavior (Feist & Feist, 2009). This may especially include the compelling relationships among the motivation of the conscious and unconscious, which were the ideas of Sigmund Freud. Although Freud established the ideas of “psychodynamics”...
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...and Topic Review for Environmental Influences on Personality Name Institution Literature and Topic Review for Environmental Influences on Personality 1.0 Introduction What makes an individual unique is their personality. A person’s personality refers to his mental features that differentiate this person from other people. Personality comprises of all patterns of emotions and thought that cause human beings to say things and to do them in particular ways. Personality signifies the most critical parts for a person’s psychological life. To this end, personality is, therefore, organized and dynamic set of characteristics that a person possesses (Lewis, 2001). These unique features influence a person’s motivations, behaviors and his or her cognitions in various situations. Personality is psychological, though biological processes also influence our behaviors. Our thoughts, social interactions, behavior, close relationships and feeling all influence our personality. The environment influences our personality (Myers, 2004). Anything that affects a person except his or her genes is the environment. Many external factors help in shaping our personality. These external factors include the people around us and the places that we live. Our friends, family, daily experiences, and all the people whom we interact with influence our personality. However, every person has a personality that is unique to them (Simanowitz, & Pearce, 2003)...
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...Psychodynamic And Humanistic Theoretical Approaches Rebecca Ward PSY/405 June 29, 2014 Jerry Mote Psychodynamic And Humanistic Theoretical Approaches Psychodynamic and humanistic theoretical approaches are a vital part of human development and growth. Each theory tries to get to the root of individual personality based on many factors. Factors like genetics, personal experience, childhood influences, environmental and social influences, conscious and unconscious awareness, cultural differences, and personal desires, goals and perceptions. What makes up our individual personality and how does the mind develop into who we become? Where does the desire to venture out and capture the ultimate happiness in order to live a fulfilling life come from? How do human beings develop the motivation to seek out their desired goals and satisfy those particular needs, and how do they affect personality? Both psychodynamic and humanistic theorist try to understand why humans do what they do, why and how they become motivated during their lifespan. Both theories have their own unique views of how humans act the way they do but more so are distinctly different when it comes to psychology. Humanistic theorist deals with conscious awareness of the inner self, which brings about growth on different levels. According to Maslow one must gravitate through his Hierarchy of needs to reach self-actuality. (Feist, Feist & Roberts, 2013) Maslow believed there is always a way to reach full happiness...
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...(2013). Theories of Personality, 8th ed.; New York,New York: McGraw-Hill Cover Photo - www.googleimages.com Photo of Carl Jung - www.simplypsychology.org Photo of Erik Erikson - www.pinstake.com Photo of Sigmund Freud - www.commons.wikimedia.org Image of Psychodynamic Approach - www.kaycounseling.co.uk | Psychodynamic Personality Brochure Shanta’ Boyd February 16, 2013 PSY/405 University of Phoenix | Psychodynamic Personality Psychodynamic cover.jpg | Personality Personality cannot be described with just one definition being that there are many different schools of thought. Personality can be described as: A pattern of traits and unique characteristics that provide consistency and individuality to an individuals behavior. Personality can also be formed through the consistency, hereditary, and an individual's experiences. An individuals perception of self and the world around them can also be make up an individual's personality. Behavior and Personality Their is a relationship between behavior and personality, but behavior isn’t personality. Psychodynamic Approach Famous theorist like Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, and Sigmund Freud, have all contributed to the psychodynamic theory of personality. Most theories, theories focus on the unconscious and consciousness of the mind as well as the development of ones personality based on their childhood experiences. Psychodynamic Approach.gif |...
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...Psychodynamic Approach • Freud’s psychoanalysis was the original psychodynamic theory, but the psychodynamic approach as a whole includes all theories that were based on his ideas. • The words psychodynamic and psychoanalytic are often confused. Remember that Freud’s theories were psychoanalytic, whereas the term ‘psychodynamic’ refers to both his theories and those of his followers. Freud’s psychoanalysis is both a theory and a therapy. • Sigmund Freud (writing between the 1890s and the 1930s) developed a collection of theories which have formed the basis of the psychodynamic approach to psychology. His theories are clinically derived - i.e. based on what his patients told him during therapy. The psychodynamic therapist would usually be treating the patient for depression or anxiety related disorders. Psychodynamic Approach Assumptions * Our behavior and feelings are powerfully affected by unconscious motives. * Our behavior and feelings as adults are rooted in our childhood experiences. * All behavior has cause even slips of the tongue. Therefore all behavior is determined. * Personality is made up of three parts: the id, ego and super-ego. * Behavior is motivated by two instinctual drives: Eros (the sex drive & life instinct) and Thanatos (the aggressive drive & death instinct). * Parts of the unconscious mind are in constant conflict with the conscious part of the mind. This conflict creates anxiety, which could be dealt with by the ego’s...
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...Answer any five of the following questions. 2. What is the General Adaptation Syndrome, explain with an example. Scientist Hans Selye (1907-1982) introduced the General Adaptation Syndrome model in 1936 showing in three phases what the alleged effects of stress has on the body. In his work, Selye - 'the father of stress research,' developed the theory that stress is a major cause of disease because chronic stress causes long-term chemical changes. He observed that the body would respond to any external biological source of stress with a predictable biological pattern in an attempt to restore the body’s internal homeostasis. This initial hormonal reaction is your fight or flight stress response - and its purpose is for handling stress very quickly! The process of the body’s struggle to maintain balance is what Selye termed, the General Adaptation Syndrome. Pressures, tensions, and other stressors can greatly influence your normal metabolism. Selye determined that there is a limited supply of adaptive energy to deal with stress. That amount declines with continuous exposure. Going through a series of steps, your body consistently works to regain stability. With the general adaptation syndrome, a human’s adaptive response to stress has three distinct phases: ALARM STAGE - Your first reaction to stress recognizes there’s a danger and prepares to deal with the threat, a.k.a. the fight or flight response. Activation of the HPA axis, the nervous system (SNS) and the adrenal glands...
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...theory, personality theory and social dominance theory. Cognitive theory of psychology is focus on internal state such as problem solving, motivation, thinking, decision making and attention. It is a key component underlying the way people think and behave. Cognitive theory is basically concerned with the development of a person’s thoughts processes. It also counts for how these thought processes influence and how a person understand and interact with the world. The technique recommend by the cognitive theory to help Sylvia. In cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach which addresses dysfunctional and emotions maladaptive behaviors and cognitive processes. CBT is an effective treatment for various conditions like anxiety, mood, personality, eating, and substances abuse which Sylvia is and has struggled with all this. So this will be very helpful for her. Behavioral theory of learning which is based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. Behavioral techniques are widely used in therapeutic settings to help clients in learning new skills and behavior. It is bases on the belief that behavior can be measured, changed and trained. The technique recommended by behaviorism theory to help Sylvia. Applied behavior analysis technique is recommended by behaviorism therapy in the case of major depression. And in the case of Sylvia, this technique will be very helpful. Psychodynamic is also known as dynamic psychology. It is an approach of psychology...
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...Analytical Theory & Individual Theory Amanda Unruh PSY 405 August 6, 2012 When people hear the term “psychology”, most of them probably think of Sigmund Freud, who was the founder of the psychodynamic approach to psychology. The psychodynamic approach is still widely used today to understand relationships between people, the interaction of drives and forces inside a person (especially the unconscious), and distinguish the different structures of the human personality. Karen Horney developed the Psychoanalytical Social Theory and Alfred Adler developed the Individual Theory, which are two theories that have proved to be interesting from the readings. (NNDB, 2012) Alfred Adler was an Austrian medical doctor and psychologist who was known for being the creator of Individual Psychology. He believed that the patient must be treated as a “whole person” where he emphasizes how individuals tried to combine feelings, thoughts, attitudes, values, and actions to accomplish their goals. His theory indicates that man’s main thoughts and behaviors are a result of his determination for superiority and power, which can be compensating for any feelings of inferiority (individual psychology, 2012). (NNDB, 2012) Adler’s theory based personality off of the order of birth, gender, and the age gap among siblings. He believed that individuals come up with a childhood story about themself that leads their views and choices throughout life, and being able to cooperate with other people for...
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...about how personality develops. Different schools of thought in psychology influence many of these theories. Psychologists seek to describe personality characteristics and to explain how personality develops. As psychologists seek to define personality, a theory of personality is developed. This research paper examines six major tenants that are fundamental to the development of a personality theory. First, research is provided to explore the tenants of nature versus nurture, the unconscious, and view of self. These tenants build the basis under a broad area of foundations of personality. Second, research is provided to examine the tenants of development, motivation, and maturation. As these tenants are studied, a view on the progression of personality is developed. A third aspect of this research is an investigation into Biblical principles of developing a personality theory. To explore the six major tenants of a personality theory, this research paper analyzes scholarly journal articles and scholarly books published from 2007 to 2014. The findings of this research are valuable in developing a theory of personality that includes important Biblical integration. A Theory of Personality How is a theory of personality developed? Psychologists have long studied the development of human personality. The debate of “What influences the things people do and do not do?" has been ongoing since the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud. Personality theorists...
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...Discuss the psychodynamic approach to psychopathology. (12 marks) Psychopathology is the study of abnormality. Abnormality is a psychological behaviour that deviates from the norm or is harmful and distressing to those around them. The psychodynamic approach to psychopathology looks at what drives us to behave in a particular way. Freud believed that a mental disorder is caused by unresolved conflicts of childhood which are unconscious. According to Freud the human mind or psyche consists of the id, ego and superego and conflict between these cause anxiety. The id is the irrational part of our personality which uses the pleasure principle: it seeks to have fun. The ego is the conscious rational part of personality, it uses the reality principle. The superego is the moral sense of right and wrong. Conflict between the id, ego and superego create anxiety. The id demands gratification which causes conflict with the superego’s sense of right and wrong. The ego then must step in between the two to restore them to reality and then proceeds to defend itself against the anxiety caused by using ego defence mechanisms.examples of ego defence mechanisms are: repression, denial, projection etc. These are all part of the unconscious mind, here memories and information that are hard to bring into the conscious mind exist. This has a powerful effect on behaviour which frequently leads to distress because the person does not understand why they are acting a particular...
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...Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors Diploma in Counselling Studies Title Describe the four major theories of counselling: Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural, Behavioural and Humanistic with reference to relevant literature (3000 words). Student: asdfdsf Date: 28th May, 2014 Words: 3097 Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Key Figures 4 Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts 7 Therapy – goals, clinical relationship and techniques 10 Conclusion 14 Appendix A – References 16 Introduction This essay will present and contrast the workings of the three major theories of counselling psychology mainly – psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred. First I will describe what psychology is and what counselling entails, then I will explain why there are different schools of thought around counselling psychology, before introducing each in turn. My discussion will examine the three theories or approaches for a history of the founder and a rationale for why they were led to introducing a new therapy approach and a sketch of the key concepts. Further, I will look at methods and processes employed by each theory, the respective roles played by the therapist and the client and the various situations to which the theory can be applied. Finally I will examine the limitations of the theory...
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