Psychological Perspectives
Running head: Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender:
Psychoanalytical, Freudian, and Humanistic Theories Dashunda Washington
Regent University
October 6, 2013
Running head: Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender
Abstract
Freud’s Psychoanalytical theory and approach, and the Humanistic theory involve countless hypotheses regarding the human personality and functions and processes of the mind. Therefore, this reaction paper takes a pinpoint look at culture and gender through these three theoretical lenses. Burger (2011) noted that when an individual is scrutinizing behaviors the findings can reflect different research meanings contingent on the culture and gender be it …show more content…
student achievement capabilities or dream therapy (p. 11). In essence, many personalities are reflected in one’s culture, be it one individualistic or collective culture in our modern society, and situational influences are widely recognized also. Therefore, my personal reactions and final reviews are expressed and Christians views, in light of these three theories on personality.
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender
Table of Content
Abstract ……….. p. i
Table of Content ……….. p. ii
Introduction ……….. p. 1
Discussion ……….. p. 1
Psychoanalytical Theory ……….. p. 1
History ……….. p. 1 Definitions ……….. p. 3
Everyday Cultural Applications ……….. p. 3
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews ……….. p. 4
Freudian Theory ..……… p. 4
History ……….. p. 5
Definitions ……….. p. 5
Everyday Cultural Applications ……….. p. 6
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews ……….. p. 7
Humanistic Theory ……….. p. 7
History ……….. p. 7
Definitions ……….. p. 7
Everyday Cultural Applications ……….. p. 8
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews ……….. p. 9
Conclusion ……….. p. 9
References ……….. p. 11
ii
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 1
Introduction The importance of connecting and/or understanding the value of the role that culture and gender play in the personality or the developing personality of an individual, is reflected in the three Psychoanalytical, Freudian, and Humanistic theories, is without question essential. Therefore, this reaction paper briefly recognizes the roles of culture and gender in light of each theory. It also acknowledges these perspectives with a short history of each theory, definition of terms and the human expression or application of each seen in everyday living situations, conversations and expectations in our current society. As well, these perspectives address where and to what extent each is consistent with Christian views of human nature and personality.
Discussion
Psychoanalytical Theory
History: Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts
Personality and psychological perspectives regarding culture and gender is a topic full of diversity and complexity, and requires one to minimize information into a fundamental approach to learning its theories, assumptions and key concepts. Mayne, Norcross, & Sayette (1994) state that although many psychotherapist use the psychoanalytical approach the assumption is that this approach is effective in treatments. However, Burger (2011) states that this approach is still controversial today (p. 58). Therefore, in regards to the psychoanalytical theory Sigmund Freud first introduced this theory at Clark University in 1909 due to an invitation from its psychology department. At this time, Freud introduced his topographic model of conscious, preconscious and unconscious –Id, Ego, Superego. He described the relationship of the Id, Ego, and Superego
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 2 to the three levels of awareness – human awareness. Before I go any further I first want to say that the word topographic simply means: a study or detailed description of the various features of an object or entity and the relationships between them (Encarta Dictionary Online: English, 2013).
According to Shill (2004) there are countless processes and functions involved in the operations and thinking processes of the Ego (p.118). Pertaining to one’s individual thinking processes one basic assumption of the psychoanalytical is that the mind is compartmentalized into three general layers, as mention above. Cramer (1991) also specified that our defenses have a hierarchy structuring considered as compartmentalized methods for coping. However, as Freud further developed this theory he noticed that the topographical approach was insufficient, and therefore he expanded this theory to introduce a structural model. And a few of the structural model assumptions are proposed. Freud considered the personality to be composed of parts that display disunity and/or disharmony in the human psyche. As well, Freud believed that at birth there is only one personality component in which he called the Id. Freud also believed that the adult personality is largely developed and or formed by the time an individual is five years of age; due to his or her current life experiences. Freud further indicated that individuals could be largely controlled by their [unknown] humanistic instincts and unconscious persuasions.
Key Concepts
Pertaining to key concepts, a concept in general, according to the Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus Third Edition (p. 68) is an abstract idea or thought. The Psychoanalytical key concepts in regards to conscious, preconscious, and unconscious layers of
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 3 the mind are expressed in or through the Id, Ego, and Superego. The Id, Ego and Superego Are key because they express how the conscious, preconscious and unconscious function within the mind. The role of the Id is based in selfishness that only wishes to satisfy one’s own needs and wants. The role the Ego considers real world and real life experiences based on what Freud terms the reality principle. This principle suggests that the Id satisfies all selfish impulses. The role of the Superego causes one to consider societal restrictions, values and standards so that a person can judge whether they are behaving normally within their culture and/or gender. Therefore, key concepts connect our human behaviors with how we function in society whether married, widowed, college student, doctor, and/or a preschooler, and how we interact within our culture.
Definitions
Culture, therefore is defined as refinement of intellectual and artistic taste (Merriam-Webster New Dictionary of the English Language, 2002 p.81). As well, the Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus Third Edition define culture as the arts, customs, and institutions of a nation, people or group; Intellectual achievements; refined understanding or appreciation of culture (p. 185). However, Burger (2011) describes culture as a set of expectations, cooperation, traditions, customs, and a sense of dependency and independency towards meaningful decision making (p. 10-11).
Gender, according to Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus Third Edition (p. 338), is defined as the state of being male (masculine) or female (feminine); member of one or the other sex. However, Burger states that due to gender, male and female behaviors are uniquely displayed from birth. Basically, we learn through observational learning.
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 4 As young children, we observe male and female behaviors in our culture as they are modeled before us on a daily basis. From these observations decisions are made to play with a Barbie doll, to play with a dump truck or to put on pajamas just like my Aunt Yvonne.
Everyday Cultural Applications
Everyday cultural applications are seen in the way individuals collectively or individually choose to prepare to live their life and/or lives. Everyday applications can be seen not only in the way foods are cooked, methods of travel to work, playtime with children, and/or being close or intimate with each other, for racial oppression is a finely woven thread in the blanket of our current society (Helms & Cook, 1999). For instance, I may roast my chicken with spicy seasonings at home whereas another person may purchase their roasted chicken from Wal-Mart, but my income can reflect the level of my racial barriers/none barriers. As well, one can work in the field as a sharecropper whereas another may go to work at a grocery store bagging groceries, or another could go to work as a United States Senator. Overall, cultural applications are so varied because of our monetary needs, religious views and racial oppression (Fisher, Jome, & Atkinson, 1998).
Christian Views and Final Personal Review
In reference to the Psychoanalytic theory and Christian views, individually and collectively, the body of Christ displays customs, traditions, and everyday experiences differently because of consented cooperation based on the order and direction of a leader. Kim, Zeppenfeld, & Cohen (2013) acknowledge that according to Calvinistic beliefs, humans are supposed to be fundamentally depraved (p. 639) and lack healthy defense mechanisms. Most
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 5
Christians under this belief doctrine carried out meager, fatalistic traditions not knowing how transcend from old ways to newer ways.
Speaking of customs and traditions, Christians view their hourly service (s), time of worship and bible study, and financial support, as it relates to culture; they agree to uphold established standards and values, and to diminish selfish thinking. In reference to my final personal review in regards to myself, I agree with the pleasure principle of this theory because there are things that I want but I know that I cannot have due to financial restraints. Freud states that the Id, Ego and Superego operate in the unconscious part of the mind and personally I strive to treat everyone nice, but push the wrong button and I will fuss you out. Basically, like the ego, I try to find a balance in my life.
Freudian Theory
History: Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts (Definitions)
The basic assumption of this approach is that people dream and Freud investigated what these dreams consisted of. Secondly, he questioned why people dreamed and whether his psychoanalytical theory could address the content of the dream. Based on the assumptions that people dream Freud looked into their meaning, function, evidence, defense mechanisms, developmental differences, humor and hypnosis. These key words are conceptual terms that provide interpretation to describe and build upon a better understanding of how the Id, Ego, and Superego function in a person. In this Freudian Approach, his key concepts of function, evidence, defense mechanisms, developmental differences, humor and hypnosis generally address a portion of his theory in relationship to conscious, preconscious and unconscious behaviors. In this approach, he
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 6 examined the content of the dream to look clues of/from the unconscious. He challenged the function of impulses, and possible suppressed impulses for meaningful expressions on the subconscious and unconscious conflicts. Although, defense mechanisms are yet elusive elements in this theory, civilization as a whole according to Freud, displays a wide range of defenses. In reference to humor, this approach looked to provide insight into how the unconscious language would surface regarding sharing a joke. It also looked at how hostility and sexual expressions were conveyed –whether through aggressive insults or amusing technique. Lastly hypnosis, by the request of the therapist and the consent of the patient, is a technique to travel on a gateway or avenue to leap over conscious content into the unconscious mind; always monitoring conscious awareness.
Everyday Cultural Applications
In reference to everyday cultural applications displayed by a male or female, the range of witnessing its possible observations can be seen in many ways. Vaillant (1994) states that, “It is possible for one’s Ego and mechanisms of defense to keep him or her during a crisis moment despite his/her nervousness and/or apparent flaws (p. 44).” For example, these applications can be noticed by watching people go into a convenient store to purchase a book on dreams, by watching a Dr. Phil show on television, or by witnessing an Alcohol Anonymous (AA) meeting. In another way in regards to dreaming and dream therapy, consistent with Freud’s view, an individual’s daily activities can capture specific moment from the day and cause him/her to fall asleep, dreaming dreams stemming from unresolved situations of the day (Domhoff, 2001; Foulkes & Cavallero, 1993). As well, males tend to fall asleep and dream about beautiful women characters (Hall, 1984). Lastly, given everyday cultural applications in regards to mechanisms of
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 7 defense, men and women alike learn how to manage or better handle personal fears, denial and rejection from peers and family members by striving to achieve desired goals (Cramer, 2007).
Christian Views and Final Personal Review
Briefly, as it pertains to Christians views, Christians view dreams as a method of revelation from God, a warning of an outcome of a situation or an instruction from God. Freud considered hypnosis as a method to tap into a person’s unconscious mind, Christians believe that our minds are to be transformed by applying the word of God in our daily functions and life experiences and not through hypnosis. Regarding humor and defense mechanisms an individual can use humor as defense mechanism to laugh in a sorrowful moment in order to bare the pain. Therefore, most Christians rely on the Holy Spirit for comfort and direction and not clinical conversations and theories. In reference to my final personal review, given my unwillingness to face tragic situations that occur in my life, I often suppress my hurt, pain and anguish through doing daily chores until I’m ready to face the trauma or the reality of handling the matter. Therefore, in this approach I understand that a person can temporarily isolate, restrict, and/or reposition their emotional trauma to the unconscious part of the mind until he/she is ready to talk it out.
Humanistic Theory
History: Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts (Definitions)
A basic assumption of the Humanistic Theory considers individuals as victims of their unconscious mind, sexual and hostile intuition that manipulates their internal and external behaviors. Another assumption is that humans are supposed to be responsible creatures; responsible for their total well-being. Likewise, an assumption is that humans are responsible for
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 8 their own live, and govern their community, state and nation. As well, a basic assumption is that basic needs are to be met before desires and wants. Other perspectives were built from theorists who suggested that human beings were like conditioned rats when responding to daily life situations in their own environment such as persons making the same incorrect decisions over and over.
In reference to this approach, key concepts include identifying and satisfying four essential points: (1) lower level and higher level needs, (2) personal responsibility, (3) personal growth, and (4) living in the current moment of one’s day. In essence, this approach acknowledges that personal choices are required in daily living and suffering, and the benefits and consequences of decision making per event or circumstance. Relevant characteristics in this theory are that individuals act appropriately in response to situations and may be prompted by unconscious impulses. Overall, people have the authority to establish their destiny by their own liberal will.
Everyday Cultural Applications
Everyday cultural applications involve individuals assuming personal responsibility for caring for their significant other (s), household bills, relevant community tasks, education, work, as well as personal care of self. Taking a closer look, the application of these tasks can look like implementing better planning and budgeting, changing the baby’s diaper, volunteering at a children’s hospital, going to work at Wal-Mart or taking a hot tub soak when one gets home from work. Having an occupation that has challenging opportunities may fill an individual’s workday/workweek; however, after work stress can be relieved by working out in a gym, reading a good book or just meditating quietly at home (Keller & Bless, 2008). In regards to addressing
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 9 the lower and higher levels of needs and wants, a lower need could be to maintain a healthy body eating and drinking properly and a higher need for the individual could be to allow him/her to be accepted and loved. An on another note, regarding everyday applications, researchers noted a relationship between what seems real or is real to an individual and to his/her real self, is related to their overall wellness (Gough, Fioravanti, & Lazzari, 1983). Lastly, researchers in this field have also focused their interest on what may constitute happiness and one’s well-being so as to better understand how positive moods are created in humans (Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005).
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews
Christian Views are that one’s dependence in life with one’s daily living tasks are supported and maintained by God and not one’s self. In my view, self-actualization happens because we allow God to transform our minds and renew our minds to be more Christ-like, across cultures, and overtime. My final personal reviews are that I disagree with this theory because God is the major source of my well being, belonging and being loved. As well, it has an unscientific reliance on human behavior.
Conclusion
These psychological perspectives in relationship to culture and gender vary per theory and/or theorist depending on the persuasion and approvability. The psychological perspective briefly addressed in this paper, barely critique the vase amount of research presented in the psychoanalytic theory, Freudian approach and the Humanistic approach. To identify, scrutinize, and treat any type of psychological behavior and/or personality requires much insight into understanding the conscious, subconscious –the Id, Ego, and Superego layers, as well as into
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 10 one’s mechanisms of defense. For instance, depending on the theorist, who can say that a female born to parents who suffer from depression could not become a vibrant community leader to help children with parents who suffer from depression? The culture, gender, family customs and support factors vary greatly within each household. Therefore, the compartmentalization of each theory is good, for it helps me have a clearer view of major details, but I am well aware that each is hypotheses.
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 11
References
Burger, J. M. (2011). Personality. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning: Belmont, CA.
Cramer, P. (2007). Longitudinal study of defense mechanisms: Late childhood to late adolescence. Journal of Personality, 75, 1-23.
Cramer, P. (1991). The development of defense mechanisms. New York: Springer-Verlag Publishing, xiii, pp. 338, doi: 10.1007/978-4613-9025-1.
Domhoff, G. W. (2001). A new neuro-cognitive theory of dreams. Dreaming, 11, 13-33.
Fisher, A. R., Jome, L. M., & Atkinson, D. R. (1998). Reconceptualizing multicultural counseling. Universal healing conditions in a culturally specific context. Counseling Psychology, 26, 525-588.
Foulkes, D., & Cavallero, C. (1993). Dreaming as cognition. New York: Harvester Wheatsheaf.
Gough, H. G., Fioravanti,M. & Lazzari, R. (1983). Some implications of self versus ideal self congruence on the revised adjective checklist. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44, 1214-1220.
Hall, C. S. (1984). A ubiquitous sex differences in dreams, revisited Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 46, 1109-1117.
Helms, J.
E., Cook, D. A. (1999). Using race and culture in counseling and psychology: Theory and process. Needham, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Keller, J., & Bless, H. (2008). Flow and regulatory compatibility; An experimental approach to the flow model of intrinsic motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34, 196-209.
Kim, E., Zeppenfeld, V., & Cohen, D. (2013). Journal of personality and social psychology, 105(4), pp. 639-666, doi: 10.1037/A0033487.
Mayne, T. J., Norcross, J. C., & Sayette, M. A. (1994). Admission requirements, acceptance, rates, and financial assistance in clinical psychology programs: Diversity across the practice-research continuum. American Psychologist, 49, 806-811.
Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N. & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60, 410-421.
Shill, M. A. (2004). Signal anxiety, defense and the pleasure principle. Wayne State University School of Medicine and University of Michigan Medical School. 21(1), 116-113).
Vaillant, G. E. (2004). Ego mechanisms of defense and personality psychopathology. Journal Abnormal Psychology, 103(1),
44-50.
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender:
Psychoanalytical, Freudian, and Humanistic Theories Dashunda Washington
Regent University
October 6, 2013
Running head: Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender
Abstract
Freud’s Psychoanalytical theory and approach, and the Humanistic theory involve countless hypotheses regarding the human personality and functions and processes of the mind. Therefore, this reaction paper takes a pinpoint look at culture and gender through these three theoretical lenses. Burger (2011) noted that when an individual is scrutinizing behaviors the findings can reflect different research meanings contingent on the culture and gender be it …show more content…
student achievement capabilities or dream therapy (p. 11). In essence, many personalities are reflected in one’s culture, be it one individualistic or collective culture in our modern society, and situational influences are widely recognized also. Therefore, my personal reactions and final reviews are expressed and Christians views, in light of these three theories on personality.
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender
Table of Content
Abstract ……….. p. i
Table of Content ……….. p. ii
Introduction ……….. p. 1
Discussion ……….. p. 1
Psychoanalytical Theory ……….. p. 1
History ……….. p. 1 Definitions ……….. p. 3
Everyday Cultural Applications ……….. p. 3
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews ……….. p. 4
Freudian Theory ..……… p. 4
History ……….. p. 5
Definitions ……….. p. 5
Everyday Cultural Applications ……….. p. 6
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews ……….. p. 7
Humanistic Theory ……….. p. 7
History ……….. p. 7
Definitions ……….. p. 7
Everyday Cultural Applications ……….. p. 8
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews ……….. p. 9
Conclusion ……….. p. 9
References ……….. p. 11
ii
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 1
Introduction The importance of connecting and/or understanding the value of the role that culture and gender play in the personality or the developing personality of an individual, is reflected in the three Psychoanalytical, Freudian, and Humanistic theories, is without question essential. Therefore, this reaction paper briefly recognizes the roles of culture and gender in light of each theory. It also acknowledges these perspectives with a short history of each theory, definition of terms and the human expression or application of each seen in everyday living situations, conversations and expectations in our current society. As well, these perspectives address where and to what extent each is consistent with Christian views of human nature and personality.
Discussion
Psychoanalytical Theory
History: Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts
Personality and psychological perspectives regarding culture and gender is a topic full of diversity and complexity, and requires one to minimize information into a fundamental approach to learning its theories, assumptions and key concepts. Mayne, Norcross, & Sayette (1994) state that although many psychotherapist use the psychoanalytical approach the assumption is that this approach is effective in treatments. However, Burger (2011) states that this approach is still controversial today (p. 58). Therefore, in regards to the psychoanalytical theory Sigmund Freud first introduced this theory at Clark University in 1909 due to an invitation from its psychology department. At this time, Freud introduced his topographic model of conscious, preconscious and unconscious –Id, Ego, Superego. He described the relationship of the Id, Ego, and Superego
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 2 to the three levels of awareness – human awareness. Before I go any further I first want to say that the word topographic simply means: a study or detailed description of the various features of an object or entity and the relationships between them (Encarta Dictionary Online: English, 2013).
According to Shill (2004) there are countless processes and functions involved in the operations and thinking processes of the Ego (p.118). Pertaining to one’s individual thinking processes one basic assumption of the psychoanalytical is that the mind is compartmentalized into three general layers, as mention above. Cramer (1991) also specified that our defenses have a hierarchy structuring considered as compartmentalized methods for coping. However, as Freud further developed this theory he noticed that the topographical approach was insufficient, and therefore he expanded this theory to introduce a structural model. And a few of the structural model assumptions are proposed. Freud considered the personality to be composed of parts that display disunity and/or disharmony in the human psyche. As well, Freud believed that at birth there is only one personality component in which he called the Id. Freud also believed that the adult personality is largely developed and or formed by the time an individual is five years of age; due to his or her current life experiences. Freud further indicated that individuals could be largely controlled by their [unknown] humanistic instincts and unconscious persuasions.
Key Concepts
Pertaining to key concepts, a concept in general, according to the Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus Third Edition (p. 68) is an abstract idea or thought. The Psychoanalytical key concepts in regards to conscious, preconscious, and unconscious layers of
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 3 the mind are expressed in or through the Id, Ego, and Superego. The Id, Ego and Superego Are key because they express how the conscious, preconscious and unconscious function within the mind. The role of the Id is based in selfishness that only wishes to satisfy one’s own needs and wants. The role the Ego considers real world and real life experiences based on what Freud terms the reality principle. This principle suggests that the Id satisfies all selfish impulses. The role of the Superego causes one to consider societal restrictions, values and standards so that a person can judge whether they are behaving normally within their culture and/or gender. Therefore, key concepts connect our human behaviors with how we function in society whether married, widowed, college student, doctor, and/or a preschooler, and how we interact within our culture.
Definitions
Culture, therefore is defined as refinement of intellectual and artistic taste (Merriam-Webster New Dictionary of the English Language, 2002 p.81). As well, the Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus Third Edition define culture as the arts, customs, and institutions of a nation, people or group; Intellectual achievements; refined understanding or appreciation of culture (p. 185). However, Burger (2011) describes culture as a set of expectations, cooperation, traditions, customs, and a sense of dependency and independency towards meaningful decision making (p. 10-11).
Gender, according to Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus Third Edition (p. 338), is defined as the state of being male (masculine) or female (feminine); member of one or the other sex. However, Burger states that due to gender, male and female behaviors are uniquely displayed from birth. Basically, we learn through observational learning.
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 4 As young children, we observe male and female behaviors in our culture as they are modeled before us on a daily basis. From these observations decisions are made to play with a Barbie doll, to play with a dump truck or to put on pajamas just like my Aunt Yvonne.
Everyday Cultural Applications
Everyday cultural applications are seen in the way individuals collectively or individually choose to prepare to live their life and/or lives. Everyday applications can be seen not only in the way foods are cooked, methods of travel to work, playtime with children, and/or being close or intimate with each other, for racial oppression is a finely woven thread in the blanket of our current society (Helms & Cook, 1999). For instance, I may roast my chicken with spicy seasonings at home whereas another person may purchase their roasted chicken from Wal-Mart, but my income can reflect the level of my racial barriers/none barriers. As well, one can work in the field as a sharecropper whereas another may go to work at a grocery store bagging groceries, or another could go to work as a United States Senator. Overall, cultural applications are so varied because of our monetary needs, religious views and racial oppression (Fisher, Jome, & Atkinson, 1998).
Christian Views and Final Personal Review
In reference to the Psychoanalytic theory and Christian views, individually and collectively, the body of Christ displays customs, traditions, and everyday experiences differently because of consented cooperation based on the order and direction of a leader. Kim, Zeppenfeld, & Cohen (2013) acknowledge that according to Calvinistic beliefs, humans are supposed to be fundamentally depraved (p. 639) and lack healthy defense mechanisms. Most
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 5
Christians under this belief doctrine carried out meager, fatalistic traditions not knowing how transcend from old ways to newer ways.
Speaking of customs and traditions, Christians view their hourly service (s), time of worship and bible study, and financial support, as it relates to culture; they agree to uphold established standards and values, and to diminish selfish thinking. In reference to my final personal review in regards to myself, I agree with the pleasure principle of this theory because there are things that I want but I know that I cannot have due to financial restraints. Freud states that the Id, Ego and Superego operate in the unconscious part of the mind and personally I strive to treat everyone nice, but push the wrong button and I will fuss you out. Basically, like the ego, I try to find a balance in my life.
Freudian Theory
History: Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts (Definitions)
The basic assumption of this approach is that people dream and Freud investigated what these dreams consisted of. Secondly, he questioned why people dreamed and whether his psychoanalytical theory could address the content of the dream. Based on the assumptions that people dream Freud looked into their meaning, function, evidence, defense mechanisms, developmental differences, humor and hypnosis. These key words are conceptual terms that provide interpretation to describe and build upon a better understanding of how the Id, Ego, and Superego function in a person. In this Freudian Approach, his key concepts of function, evidence, defense mechanisms, developmental differences, humor and hypnosis generally address a portion of his theory in relationship to conscious, preconscious and unconscious behaviors. In this approach, he
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 6 examined the content of the dream to look clues of/from the unconscious. He challenged the function of impulses, and possible suppressed impulses for meaningful expressions on the subconscious and unconscious conflicts. Although, defense mechanisms are yet elusive elements in this theory, civilization as a whole according to Freud, displays a wide range of defenses. In reference to humor, this approach looked to provide insight into how the unconscious language would surface regarding sharing a joke. It also looked at how hostility and sexual expressions were conveyed –whether through aggressive insults or amusing technique. Lastly hypnosis, by the request of the therapist and the consent of the patient, is a technique to travel on a gateway or avenue to leap over conscious content into the unconscious mind; always monitoring conscious awareness.
Everyday Cultural Applications
In reference to everyday cultural applications displayed by a male or female, the range of witnessing its possible observations can be seen in many ways. Vaillant (1994) states that, “It is possible for one’s Ego and mechanisms of defense to keep him or her during a crisis moment despite his/her nervousness and/or apparent flaws (p. 44).” For example, these applications can be noticed by watching people go into a convenient store to purchase a book on dreams, by watching a Dr. Phil show on television, or by witnessing an Alcohol Anonymous (AA) meeting. In another way in regards to dreaming and dream therapy, consistent with Freud’s view, an individual’s daily activities can capture specific moment from the day and cause him/her to fall asleep, dreaming dreams stemming from unresolved situations of the day (Domhoff, 2001; Foulkes & Cavallero, 1993). As well, males tend to fall asleep and dream about beautiful women characters (Hall, 1984). Lastly, given everyday cultural applications in regards to mechanisms of
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 7 defense, men and women alike learn how to manage or better handle personal fears, denial and rejection from peers and family members by striving to achieve desired goals (Cramer, 2007).
Christian Views and Final Personal Review
Briefly, as it pertains to Christians views, Christians view dreams as a method of revelation from God, a warning of an outcome of a situation or an instruction from God. Freud considered hypnosis as a method to tap into a person’s unconscious mind, Christians believe that our minds are to be transformed by applying the word of God in our daily functions and life experiences and not through hypnosis. Regarding humor and defense mechanisms an individual can use humor as defense mechanism to laugh in a sorrowful moment in order to bare the pain. Therefore, most Christians rely on the Holy Spirit for comfort and direction and not clinical conversations and theories. In reference to my final personal review, given my unwillingness to face tragic situations that occur in my life, I often suppress my hurt, pain and anguish through doing daily chores until I’m ready to face the trauma or the reality of handling the matter. Therefore, in this approach I understand that a person can temporarily isolate, restrict, and/or reposition their emotional trauma to the unconscious part of the mind until he/she is ready to talk it out.
Humanistic Theory
History: Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts (Definitions)
A basic assumption of the Humanistic Theory considers individuals as victims of their unconscious mind, sexual and hostile intuition that manipulates their internal and external behaviors. Another assumption is that humans are supposed to be responsible creatures; responsible for their total well-being. Likewise, an assumption is that humans are responsible for
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 8 their own live, and govern their community, state and nation. As well, a basic assumption is that basic needs are to be met before desires and wants. Other perspectives were built from theorists who suggested that human beings were like conditioned rats when responding to daily life situations in their own environment such as persons making the same incorrect decisions over and over.
In reference to this approach, key concepts include identifying and satisfying four essential points: (1) lower level and higher level needs, (2) personal responsibility, (3) personal growth, and (4) living in the current moment of one’s day. In essence, this approach acknowledges that personal choices are required in daily living and suffering, and the benefits and consequences of decision making per event or circumstance. Relevant characteristics in this theory are that individuals act appropriately in response to situations and may be prompted by unconscious impulses. Overall, people have the authority to establish their destiny by their own liberal will.
Everyday Cultural Applications
Everyday cultural applications involve individuals assuming personal responsibility for caring for their significant other (s), household bills, relevant community tasks, education, work, as well as personal care of self. Taking a closer look, the application of these tasks can look like implementing better planning and budgeting, changing the baby’s diaper, volunteering at a children’s hospital, going to work at Wal-Mart or taking a hot tub soak when one gets home from work. Having an occupation that has challenging opportunities may fill an individual’s workday/workweek; however, after work stress can be relieved by working out in a gym, reading a good book or just meditating quietly at home (Keller & Bless, 2008). In regards to addressing
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 9 the lower and higher levels of needs and wants, a lower need could be to maintain a healthy body eating and drinking properly and a higher need for the individual could be to allow him/her to be accepted and loved. An on another note, regarding everyday applications, researchers noted a relationship between what seems real or is real to an individual and to his/her real self, is related to their overall wellness (Gough, Fioravanti, & Lazzari, 1983). Lastly, researchers in this field have also focused their interest on what may constitute happiness and one’s well-being so as to better understand how positive moods are created in humans (Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005).
Christian Views and Final Personal Reviews
Christian Views are that one’s dependence in life with one’s daily living tasks are supported and maintained by God and not one’s self. In my view, self-actualization happens because we allow God to transform our minds and renew our minds to be more Christ-like, across cultures, and overtime. My final personal reviews are that I disagree with this theory because God is the major source of my well being, belonging and being loved. As well, it has an unscientific reliance on human behavior.
Conclusion
These psychological perspectives in relationship to culture and gender vary per theory and/or theorist depending on the persuasion and approvability. The psychological perspective briefly addressed in this paper, barely critique the vase amount of research presented in the psychoanalytic theory, Freudian approach and the Humanistic approach. To identify, scrutinize, and treat any type of psychological behavior and/or personality requires much insight into understanding the conscious, subconscious –the Id, Ego, and Superego layers, as well as into
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 10 one’s mechanisms of defense. For instance, depending on the theorist, who can say that a female born to parents who suffer from depression could not become a vibrant community leader to help children with parents who suffer from depression? The culture, gender, family customs and support factors vary greatly within each household. Therefore, the compartmentalization of each theory is good, for it helps me have a clearer view of major details, but I am well aware that each is hypotheses.
Psychological Perspectives on Culture and Gender 11
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