Comparing Humanistic And Psychodynamic Research

While there are other schools of thought this essay will specifically look at the psychoanalysis and humanistic theories, with the aim to describe the fundamental tenets of both approaches (that govern the treatment that psychologists practice within) and compare to contrast the ideas of their key figures. This essay also aims to discuss the theoretical explanations for human behavior, the key concepts and the methods of discovery used to explore behavior. The major causal factors responsible for human behavior emphasized in each perspective will also be outlined before the two perspectives are compared by evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

The psychoanalytic theory is basically grounded on unconscious forces determining behavior and

The theory in it contained a subset or perhaps a hallmark of humanistic theory, self-actualization which is the innate tendency to reach our true potentials or even fulfil our purposes (Plotnik, 1996). One of the principles of humanism is individualism (Scholl, Ray & Brady-Amoon, 2014).

But of course these theories were once a thought, someone’s idea. The principle proponent of psychoanalysis was Sigmund Freud, a physician- Weiten referred to him as the inventor thereof (2015). Other contributors include Alfred Adler and Carl Jung, who later developed theoretical disagreements with Freud (Weiten, 2015). The founder of humanism was Abraham Maslow with Carl Rogers as the theory’s advocate (Weiten, 2004).

The founder of the psychoanalytic theory focused his theory on the unconscious psychological forces commonly such as sexual urges (Plotnik, 1996). Freud said that if the narrowing of sexuality is pushed too far it will have the evil effects of a robbery (1910). His statement emphasized the theory’s favor of determinism as a major causal factor responsible for human

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Scholl, M. B.; Ray, D. C. & Brady-Amoon, P. (2014). Humanistic counselling process, outcomes, and research. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 53, 218-239.

Plotnik, R. (1996). Introduction to psychology. (4th Edition). USA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Inc.

Robbins, B.D. (2008). What is the Good Life? Positive Psychology and the Renaissance of Humanistic Psychology. Humanistic Psychologist, 36, 96-112.

Weiten, W. (2004). Psychology: Themes and Variations. (6th Edition). USA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Weiten, W. (2015). In J. Hassim (Ed.), Psychology: Themes and Variations. (2nd South African Edition). London: Cengage