Psychoanalytic Approach

What makes us as humans’ tick, why do we act the way we do? Is it effects from certain childhood events? Or better yet is it in our DNA? The desire to understand human behavior has been the fuel behind phycology for more than a century. Over this period of time many theories and theorist have impacts on psychology. Some of these psychoanalytic theories suggest there are many different levels of consciousness driving humans’ thoughts and actions. Sigmund Freud uses the id, ego, and superego to describe parts of the mind that drive behavior. The id is the part of the mind that responds to instinct to avoid pain and seek pleasure, or pleasure principle. The id is our basic instincts, such as an infant’s ability to suck to get nourishment from a bottle or the mother. The ego is used to deal with issues of the real world. The ego allows us to solve problems, as an example an infant that cries to get the mothers attention when hungry. The superego is the most conscious aspect of our mind; it allows us to solve problems in a manner that is consistent with norms of society.

Most psychologist agree that there are multiple levels to the human mind. However, they interpret the impact that each have on human behavior differently. Freud believed sexual feelings and relationships are the driving force for most thoughts and actions. Alfred Adler felt behavior is driven by social interests. Carl G. Jung interprets human psyche bit differently. He believed that people have different personalities and their behavior is a reflection of the internal struggle between personalities. Jung noticed that there are certain patterns in human behavior that tend to show themselves in a predictable manner.

While all three of these men have had a hand in laying the foundation in psychoanalytic psychology, it is difficult to agree completely with any of them. Freud relies on the libido of individuals as a driving force for behavior. Many of Freud’s theories were influenced by...