Psychodynamic Personality Theories Paper Learning

Psychodynamic Theories

Candace McQuarter, Nixon Grant, Angela Booker

Mia Ram, William White, Jennifer Shiver

PSY/405

October 14, 2013

Dr. Judith Sugg

Psychodynamic Theories

The history of the development of psychology has many ways of interpreting the human mind. Personality formation is seen as an important principle in modern psychology. One of the first of the modern schools of psychology was the psychodynamic viewpoint. Sigmund Freud was among the first who began this modern school of thought. It attracted many disciples who stayed his course, altered it slightly, or veered into different directions. The common theme however that has resulted was importance of early childhood development and experiences and to varying degrees the presence and effect of a subconscious mind. Whereas Freud and many of his contemporaries have been criticized because they were either unwilling or unable to employ strictly scientific methodology in their research and opinions, they did much to influence both scientific and cultural acceptance of psychology. It would also be fair to say that psychodynamic theories of personality formation are an essential building block in the development of psychology as a science.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychoanalysis remains one of the most influential, yet controversial school of thought in psychology. Many of its precepts were immediately sensational within late 19th century European culture. Because of concepts surrounding sexuality and child development, its theories were very polarizing (Feist & Feist, 2009). Freud saw development from a very reductionist standpoint (Wollman, 2006) Based on his theories people are born good, living within society corrupts. Sexuality and aggression drives are inborn traits. Individuals naturally seek out pleasurable gratification. When society acts to repress behavior considered taboo to maintain social norms that also act to repress natural urges. Psychoanalysis emphasized the importance of...