1
Psychoanalytic Model Paper
Cynthia Garza
1/16/2015
Psy310- History and Systems of Psychology
Instructor: Sara Molloy
Psychoanalytic Model Paper
2
Psychoanalytic Model Paper
When we talk about Psychoanalytic theory the first name that comes to mind is Sigmund
Freud. Even though they are other psychologists that contributed to psychoanalytic theory and its development, Sigmund Freud is known for being the founder of this theory. He is famous for his work on sexual bias of neurosis, his study of hysteria, childhood seduction controversy, and dream analysis, among other theories like id, ego, and superego. Psychoanalytic Theory is the theory of the unconscious mind, and the personality development. Another concept, that helped shape psychoanalysis, is the early ideas of psychopathology. Like any other theory, there is always criticism, and other psychologists that do not share the same view. In Freud’s case, he was criticized for his way of collecting and recording data from his sessions with patients. Also for his theory of women having penis envy, and that he focused on the past behaviors instead of paying attention to the patient’s goals, future hopes, and motivations.
Psychoanalytic Theory focuses on the study of the unconscious and abnormal behavior.
Three of the major influences of psychoanalysis were philosophical speculations about the unconscious, early ideas about psychopathology, and other evolutionary theory. The theory of the unconscious mind is that it is a big influence in our life whether we are sleeping or awake.
Freud’s speculated that our actions were a manifestation of the unconscious consequence of childhood experience or emotion. It was Fechner that used the analogy that the unconscious mind is like an iceberg. This analogy helped inspire some of Freud’s work so much that he even quoted Fechner is some of his writings. There were other psychologists before Freud that suggested the theory of the unconscious mind;
References: Schultz, D. (1969). A history of modern psychology (10e ed.). New York: Academic Cohen, T. (2003). Sigmund freud: The founder of psychoanalysis. School Library Journal, 49(9), 231. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/211726954?accountid=458