Exploring the Roots of Psychodynamic Theory

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Psychodynamic Theory The field of psychology known as Psychodynamic theory, deals with the mind. The conscious and the unconscious thoughts and how a person feels. It suggests that the developmental stages of childhood and how they are dealt with has an influence on the person a child will become in later life. Although Sigmund Freud is considered the father of Psychoanalysis, before him Josef Breuer, born 1842, had worked with a patient known as Anna O. Anna, real name Bertha Pappenheim, came to Breuer, suffering from various symptoms including partial paralysis, headaches and hallucinations. These symptoms developed whilst caring for her father as he was dying. Anna received treatment from Breuer from 1880 to 1882, during which time it was …show more content…

He produced in 1906 studies in word association, and sent a copy his work to Freud. Jung and Freud met in person in 1907 and Jung learned much from Freud about the unconscious mind. Jung went on to develop his own theories, differing from Freud’s. Causing a break in friendship for the men. Notably Carl Jung’s work and advice for an alcoholic patient led to the setting up of Alcoholics Anonymous which has been beneficial for many people who suffer from alcoholism. In the 1950s, after studying Freud’s work, Erik Erikson developed his theories. Instead of Freud’s psychosexual stages, Erikson developed psychosocial stages. Erikson expanded on Freud’s work, and added that not only were the first years of development important, but that development continued through to early adulthood and …show more content…

Talking about ones problems and feelings is encouraged and helps people to deal with their problems, identifying where attitudes and feelings have come from. Unfortunately Psychoanalysis can draw out false memories, causing a person to believe they have suffered abuse in their younger years, when no such thing took place. Lawrence Kohlberg disagreed with Freud’s idea that the conscience and morality suddenly begin at age5 or 6, Kohlberg suggests that the development of morality is a gradual process that begins in childhood and continues to develop into adulthood. Psychodynamic theory is not able to be tested scientifically and has relied on case studies for any results. All of which have been subjectively interpreted by the analyst. Freud’s work has been criticised as being biased towards one gender and the focus of his theories that males are superior as they have a penis and females don’t is biased in favour of males. Whilst Psychodynamic theory has its critics, it cannot be denied that it is certainly helpful in some cases, examples of cases where psychoanalysis is helpful are, people who have been abused, people suffering from eating disorders and those in need of family therapy. All of which are sadly all too prevalent in today’s society. References

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