Psychodynamic approach evaluate

Question 1

P: Explanatory power for human behaviour.

Answer 1

E: Freud theory key force in 20th –> explains personally development & human behaviour –> connection childhood and later experience
E: McCarthy this connection deeper –> studied 40 adult women found who securely attached as infants –> best adult friendships & romantic relationships
L: this element –> positive impact on psychology, literature, art, etc.

Question 2

P: The approach is criticised for lacking scientific credibility.

Answer 2

E: Popper: not falsifiable –> can’t be empirically tested and many concepts occur at unconscious level (repression)
E: based on subjective individual case studies (Little Hans)–> no universal claims
E: Freud subjective interpreted his case study–> little Hans fear horses fear of castration
L: Freuds theory pseudoscientific not established fact

Question 3

P. Useful due to real-world applications.

Answer 3

E: development psychotherapy –> first attempt treats mental disorders psychologically –> aim access unconscious (dream analysis)
E: preceded modern day talking therapy such as counselling
L: value of psych. Dyn. App. –> creates new approach to treatment –> treat root cause not rely on drugs

CP: Can be inappropriate for some or even harmful. –> ppl with serious disorders (schizophrenia) struggle say thoughts –> loss of reality
L: may not be beneficial for all the mental disorders

Question 4

P: The approach advocates extreme psychic determinism.

Answer 4

E: Freud –> future behaviour determined by psychic conflicts in childhood–> no free will
E: mental health problems blamed on childhood + parents–> not look at e.g. biological factors or maladaptive cognitive processes
E: more balanced view —> acknowledged influence of early childhood on behaviour but is critical –> free will also play part
L: psychic determinism is too far fetched and socially sens