Freud Pros and Cons
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- Category: Science
- Date Submitted: 05/06/2014 01:20 PM
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Paul Bowers
Word Count: 2367
Evaluate the extent to which Freud's theory of psychosexual development can help us to understand a client's presenting issue?
The main aim of this essay is to demonstrate an understanding of Freud’s theory of psychosexual development and how this theory may help us to explain and identify adult neurotic behaviour. I shall be evaluating the pros and cons of psychosexual theory and the extent to which it helps us to understand a client’s presenting issue. I shall also define and consider the relationship between the Id, Ego and Superego and the way in which these constructs of our psyche are in many ways representative of earlier experiences and of those early situations and conflicts we had faced. Lastly, I will examine some of the criticisms that have been levelled at Freudian theory in order to evaluate it.Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was a Viennese physician, trained in neurology and the founder of psychoanalytic theory. He created an entirely new perspective on the study of human behaviour, focusing on the unconscious instinct and urges rather than the conscious. The psychoanalytic view holds that there are inner forces outside of our awareness that are directing our behaviour. Freud postulated that human nature was focused mainly on desire rather than reason and that it was ones past experiences that determined ones future behaviour and personality development. While his theories were considered shocking at the time and continue to create debate and controversy, his work had a profound influence on a number of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, literature, and art. The term psychoanalysis is used to refer to many aspects of Freud’s work and research, including Freudian therapy and the research methodology he used to develop his theories. While many of Freud's ideas have fallen out of favour or been modified by other analysts, and modern advances in the field of psychology have shown flaws in some...
Paul Bowers
Word Count: 2367
Evaluate the extent to which Freud's theory of psychosexual development can help us to understand a client's presenting issue?
The main aim of this essay is to demonstrate an understanding of Freud’s theory of psychosexual development and how this theory may help us to explain and identify adult neurotic behaviour. I shall be evaluating the pros and cons of psychosexual theory and the extent to which it helps us to understand a client’s presenting issue. I shall also define and consider the relationship between the Id, Ego and Superego and the way in which these constructs of our psyche are in many ways representative of earlier experiences and of those early situations and conflicts we had faced. Lastly, I will examine some of the criticisms that have been levelled at Freudian theory in order to evaluate it.Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was a Viennese physician, trained in neurology and the founder of psychoanalytic theory. He created an entirely new perspective on the study of human behaviour, focusing on the unconscious instinct and urges rather than the conscious. The psychoanalytic view holds that there are inner forces outside of our awareness that are directing our behaviour. Freud postulated that human nature was focused mainly on desire rather than reason and that it was ones past experiences that determined ones future behaviour and personality development. While his theories were considered shocking at the time and continue to create debate and controversy, his work had a profound influence on a number of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, literature, and art. The term psychoanalysis is used to refer to many aspects of Freud’s work and research, including Freudian therapy and the research methodology he used to develop his theories. While many of Freud's ideas have fallen out of favour or been modified by other analysts, and modern advances in the field of psychology have shown flaws in some...