approaches - psychodynamic approach
evaluation
:) - a pioneering approach to understanding human behaviour - correct answer-The
development of psychoanalysis introduced a new explanation for human behaviour.
It suggested new procedures for gathering evidence (case studies)
The approach is based on observations rather than inference or introspection.
The first approach to suggest psychological (rather than biological) treatments for mental
illness.
The approach has led to successful treatments that have been shown to have long-lasting
effects. (Maat et al. 2009)
:( - Not based on scientific evidence - correct answer-Critics claim that the evidence cannot
be tested and are not falsifiable.
However, many of the claims of psychoanalysis have been tested and many have been
confirmed using scientific methods.
Fisher and Greenberg (1996) summarised 2500 of these studies, concluding that
psychoanalysis 'compares well with studies relevant to any other major area of psychology'.
Fisher and Greenburg's support for the existence of unconscious motivation, and defence
mechanisms gives scientific credibility to the psychodynamic approach.
:( - The psychodynamic approach is gender biased - correct answer-Freud's views of women
and female sexuality were less developed than his views on male sexuality.
Despite being focused on the development of sexuality, Freud's ideas were centred around
men or even ignorant to female sexuality.
Led some psychoanalysts such as Karen Horney to move away from Freud's ideas and
criticise his work and views on the development of women.
Dismissing women and their sexuality in this way is problematic, not only because many of
Freud's patients were women, but also because his theories are still so influential today.
:( - The psychodynamic approach is culture biased - correct answer-Sue and Sue (2008)
argue that psychoanalysis has little relevance for people in non-western cultures.
Psychoanalysts believe that mental illnesses stem from traumatic memories 'locked' in the
unconscious, and that freeing them through therapy is crucial for recovery.
However, in many non-western cultures, a person suffering from a mental illness will likely
never discuss it due to stigma.
This contrasts with the western belief that open discussion and insight are always helpful in
therapy.
:) - the psychodynamic approach is comprehensive - correct answer-Can be used to explain
many aspects of human behaviour.
Is applicable outside of psychology. For example, it has been applied to literature.
Interpreting these works through psychoanalysis enriches the understanding of a character's
psychological state.
evaluation
:) - a pioneering approach to understanding human behaviour - correct answer-The
development of psychoanalysis introduced a new explanation for human behaviour.
It suggested new procedures for gathering evidence (case studies)
The approach is based on observations rather than inference or introspection.
The first approach to suggest psychological (rather than biological) treatments for mental
illness.
The approach has led to successful treatments that have been shown to have long-lasting
effects. (Maat et al. 2009)
:( - Not based on scientific evidence - correct answer-Critics claim that the evidence cannot
be tested and are not falsifiable.
However, many of the claims of psychoanalysis have been tested and many have been
confirmed using scientific methods.
Fisher and Greenberg (1996) summarised 2500 of these studies, concluding that
psychoanalysis 'compares well with studies relevant to any other major area of psychology'.
Fisher and Greenburg's support for the existence of unconscious motivation, and defence
mechanisms gives scientific credibility to the psychodynamic approach.
:( - The psychodynamic approach is gender biased - correct answer-Freud's views of women
and female sexuality were less developed than his views on male sexuality.
Despite being focused on the development of sexuality, Freud's ideas were centred around
men or even ignorant to female sexuality.
Led some psychoanalysts such as Karen Horney to move away from Freud's ideas and
criticise his work and views on the development of women.
Dismissing women and their sexuality in this way is problematic, not only because many of
Freud's patients were women, but also because his theories are still so influential today.
:( - The psychodynamic approach is culture biased - correct answer-Sue and Sue (2008)
argue that psychoanalysis has little relevance for people in non-western cultures.
Psychoanalysts believe that mental illnesses stem from traumatic memories 'locked' in the
unconscious, and that freeing them through therapy is crucial for recovery.
However, in many non-western cultures, a person suffering from a mental illness will likely
never discuss it due to stigma.
This contrasts with the western belief that open discussion and insight are always helpful in
therapy.
:) - the psychodynamic approach is comprehensive - correct answer-Can be used to explain
many aspects of human behaviour.
Is applicable outside of psychology. For example, it has been applied to literature.
Interpreting these works through psychoanalysis enriches the understanding of a character's
psychological state.
