Psy 210 Personality Theory

Psychodynamic theory and Humanistic theory have many similarities, among many differences. Both theories share a common basis and that is focusing on human experience's and the behavior that is caused by them.

Psychodynamic theory, which is based on Freud's theories, focuses on a person's past experiences to determine behavior. It also explains that behavior is driven by instinct that is controlled by both conscious and unconscious motives. Psychodynamic theory is also studied and derived from people that are troubled, unlike Humanistic theory which is studied and researched on people with healthy personalities. It also explains how a person's mental processes influence behavior and not because of one's past. Humanistic theory focuses on a person's present experiences and how that determines their behavior. Psychodynamic theory stresses that people act the way they do because they are biologically driven to do so. On the contrary Humanistic theory stresses that people act the way they do because they are acting to achieve self-actualization. Based on Rogers theories, people are free to make choices and take actions to obtain who they want to be. According to Wiley (2010), " Rogers believed that we all have unique ways of looking at ourselves and the world—that is, unique frames of reference. We may each use a different set of dimensions in defining ourselves, and we may judge ourselves according to different sets of values." (p. 62). Because humanistic theory consists of this existentialist thinking it clashes with the Psychodynamic theory that our inner defense mechanisms stop us from being able to choose our own personal course of action. Ultimately the main difference between the Psychodynamic theory and the Humanistic theory is that the Psychodynamic theory expresses that human nature is negative. Humanistic theory expresses the opposite, in that human nature is good.

Psychodynamic theory and Humanistic theory both explain why people act the way they do....