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Introduction
Psychodynamics is an approach to Psychology that systematically analyzes human behavior and studies the forces that drive behavior (WebMD, 2006). Therapists attempt to understand the personality of patients and help them deal with their problems. The Psychodynamic model is one of the first models to be used for analysis of personality. Psychoanalytical approach was first developed by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939). This approach to treatment is non intensive and includes no more than three to five sessions a week. It is based on the principle that an individual shows abnormal behavior when he is engaged in a conflict with himself. The Psychodynamic theory proposed by Freud, is considered redundant by many psychologists and practitioners. On the other hand, many researchers have associated modern psychological theories and approaches to treatment with the Psychological Model of Sigmund Freud. Carver, C., & Scheier, M. (2004), present Freud’s theory of Psychoanalysis in their book Perspectives on Personality. Corsini and Wedding (2008) relate the theory of inner conflict to Freud’s model. Shaver and Mikulincer (2004) present the attachment theory as a contemporary psychodynamic approach.
In this paper, we examine the psychodynamic model of personality and how other theories, like the theory of inner conflict & the attachment theory relate to the psychodynamic model. We also analyze the strengths of the psychodynamic model; identify its weaknesses and the challenges to this approach to treatment.
The Psychoanalytic Theory
The psychoanalytic theory is based on the theory of thermodynamics. The thermodynamics theory proposes conversion of heat into mechanical energy. The Psychoanalytic theory suggests that psychic energy can be converted to behavior. According to Freud in Carver, & Scheier (2004), human personality is made up of three main components, the id, the ego and the super ego. While the id demands immediate satisfaction, the ego helps fulfill the demands of the id. The super-ego also called the conscience imposes restrictions and norms on the ego. What results is the satisfaction of the demands of the id in a realistic and moral manner. Freud believed that the energies that were released during the five psychosexual stages of personality development could be channelized to ensure a rational, moral and socially appropriate behavior (Carver & Scheier, 2004).
Other Theories Related to the Psychodynamic Approach
The Psychodynamic theory was first proposed by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939). Freud gives importance to unconscious and dynamic psychological conflicts. The theory of inner conflict underlies the psychodynamic approach to treatment. According to Corsini and Wedding (2008), psychoanalytic therapy makes patients aware of conflict within themselves. This conflict between the ego and the super ego manifests as a disorder. Psychoanalytic theory makes the patient aware of the conflict and suggests ways to deal with the conflict. The patient begins to integrate the conflicting emotions and thus reduce the tension.
Shaver and Mikulincer (2004) show how the attachment theory is related to the psychodynamic approach. The attachment theory was first proposed by Bowlby and his student Ainsworth. This model of psychoanalysis describes the interpersonal relationships between humans. They viewed the motivation for relationships as a system that facilitated adjustment. The attachment theory proposed by Bowlby and Ainsworth is focused on the infant-mother relationship. An infant looks to the mother for his basic needs of feeding and security. Adult behaviour is based on the experiences of childhood (Shaver and Mikulincer, 2004).
Method of inquiry in the Psychodynamic Model
Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), devised the method of free association for enquiry in the psychodynamic model. He devised this method as an alternative to the hypnotic approach used by Josef Breuer (1842 – 1925) who was his mentor. In this method, the patient is allowed to speak freely without interruption from the analyst. This model of enquiry is based on the principle of inner conflict. The technique helps the patient to understand his own thoughts. In a non-judgmental environment, the patient gains insight into his personal thoughts and feelings. There is no fixed plan. The analyst works on intuition based on what the patient reveals. (Berne, 1976)
According to Wiley (n.d.), Freud’s technique has undergone change and many variations of the free association model are in use today. Psychologists believe that too much time is required to gather meaningful data in the free association technique. Modern therapists use projective tests for analysis. In the projective method, the analyst often withholds the purpose of the test from the patient ((Bell, 1948; Exner, 1993 in Wiley, n.d.). The patient is presented with stimuli and then questioned about his perception and thoughts. The stimuli and questions are ambiguous. The analysand is free to respond in anyway he likes. Projective analysts believe that the unconscious mind is revealed by the responses to the questions. The psychoanalytic theory which believes in the conflict between the conscious and uncurious mind, underlies the model of projective analysis (Wiley, n.d.)
The Rorschach test developed by Hermann Rorschach in 1921, uses black, white and coloured blots and patient perception of these blots to reveal inner thoughts. The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) developed by Morgan & Murray in 1930 uses pictures in place of ink blots.
Face to face interview is however, the oldest method of personality analysis. It remains the most popular method of analysis (Watkins et. al. in Wiley, n.d.). The skill of the analyst in structuring the interview, guiding the patient, and recording & interpreting responses are key considerations in this method.
Strengths of the Psychodynamic Model
The Psychodynamic model is based on the theory of conflict. The underlying assumption is that there is a conflict between the conscious and unconscious mind (Wiley, n.d.). Analysts attempt to resolve this conflict though various methods of enquiry. The strength of the Psychodynamic approach lies in allowing the patient to speak freely and examine his thoughts. According to the Harvard Medical School (2010), psychodynamic therapy is a “talking cure”. It is a long term cure and is based on the belief that circumstances and experiences of childhood. Psychoanalysts believe that behavior is a result of conscious and unconscious motives. Talking can help people understand their motives, understand their problems, and find ways to solve them. These insights can help alter behavior. The main strengths of the psychodynamic approach are self knowledge, acknowledgement of emotions, identification of patterns, understanding behavior, focusing on relationships, and encouraging free association. Using these techniques, the analyst can help the patient understand his problem and resolve it or find ways to deal with it (Harvard Medical School, 2010)
Weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Approach
The psychodynamic approach to therapy is a useful and effective approach. Many people however do not find this approach suitable. This may be because of the fact that they are unable to accept the thoughts of their unconscious minds. Many people may be unwilling to contemplate the problems of their childhood experiences and relive them. Secondly, psychodynamic approach is an unstructured approach to therapy. Many therapists believe that this approach is time consuming and prefer the more structured projective tests to analyze patient behavior. However, the underlying theory of conflict is the same in most projective approaches (CBTV).
Challenges in the Psychodynamic Approach
Freud’s model of personality is an unstructured model. The approach to analysis and therapy is also unstructured. The main challenge to adopting the psychodynamic approach to personality analysis therefore lies in the skill of the therapist and the receptiveness of the patient. Lemma et. al. (n.d.) present the competencies required for the psychodynamic approach. They group the competencies into five groups. Generic competences are those that any analyst must possess like establishing a relationship of trust and an attitude of encouragement. Basic analytic competencies include establishing a structure specific to the patient’s problem, within an unstructured approach. Specific analytic are the specific techniques used by the therapist to address the problem. Problem specific competences refer to the ability to draw up a treatment plan, set goals, and monitor progress. Meta competencies are the skills required to relate the activities across the four groups. While an in-depth discussion into these competencies is beyond the scope of this paper, we may state that the skills of the analyst in understanding, analysing, and structuring the problem and the competence of the therapist in establishing a trustworthy relationship and eliciting response pose the major challenge to adopting Freud’s model of personality.
ConclusionThe Psychodynamic model of personality was first proposed by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939). This model is based on the assumption that there exists a conflict between the conscious and unconscious mind of an individual. Freud described this as conflict between the ego and super ego to command the id of an individual. Freud’s approach has undergone considerable change over the years. Most modern approaches to analysis and therapy are based on Freud’s psychodynamic model of personality. The principle of inner conflict which underlies Freud’s model is apparent in the attachment theory (Shaver and Mikulincer 2004). Wiley (n.d.) suggests that modern methods of enquiry like The Rorschach test, The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), and face to face interviews are a based on the theory of inner conflict. One may say therefore that Freud’s psychodynamic approach to personality is not redundant but has evolved into new structured approaches. A deeper research into the relationship between modern methods of personality analysis as compared to Freud’s model will reveal how these methods can be used along with free association to help therapists better understand personality and guide patients in dealing with their problems.
As developments, occur in other areas of knowledge, the needs, attitudes, desires, perceptions and emotions of individuals change. With this change, newer models of personality may emerge, as psychologists, therapist and researchers attempt to meet the demands of patients. A deeper understanding of the causes of disorders and identification of new disorders or conditions will emerge as professionals with an open mind treat patients and come across new behavior traits and perceptions. Typifying a behavior or trait and standardizing the approach to treatment would therefore be inappropriate. Practitioners and researchers must keep an open mind and be watchful for new trends.
References
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