Psychology can be defined as the scientific examination of the mind as well as behavior. There are various perspectives or approaches to psychology. (Nevid, p.3) This essay discusses the similarities and differences between Psychodynamic perspective and Biological perspective.
Difference
The Biological perspective of psychology explains that our behaviors and traits are determined by our genetic make-up, hormones, nervous system as well as the structure and operation of the brain. This perspective observes thoughts, feelings and behaviors from a medical or biological point of view. Examples of this perspective include; the spatial awareness that enables us find our way home and the prefrontal cortex (overactiveand results in high aggression levels). The memories that are kept in the temporal lobe and the corpus callosum, which is capable of transferring memories from the two hemispheres of the brain to enable sharing, are also examples of the perspective. The biological perspective also considers the evolutionary inherited behaviors or traits. The psychodynamic perspective, on the other hand, explains that our behaviors are influenced by a balance between our nature and instincts and how these instincts are nurtured by our early childhood experiences. The psychodynamic perspective defines behavior from the point of view of our unconscious early childhood experiences. The perspective explains that our behavior is determined by id, superego and ego (the three constituents of personality). The psychodynamic perspective explains that those with strong superego are likely to be careers of others or campaigners for equality in the community. Those people with strong Id are more likely to be self-centered. The psychodynamic perspective holds the view that we are born with Id, but acquire ego and superego. An example that explains this perspective is where some patient refuses to adhere to medical requests because they are in denial. Another example is one presented by criminals who are in denial and do not take personal responsibility for their crimes. (Nevid, p. 9)
Similarity
Both the psychodynamic perspective and the biological perspective can be deemed deterministic. The two perspective for instance, can provide a complete reason for psychosis. The psychodynamic perspective and the biological perspective of psychology explain that there is no amount of choice regarding behaviors and thoughts. The two perspectives hold the view that our behaviors and thoughts are determined by other things and that we do not control our behaviors and thoughts. The biological perspective and the psychodynamic perspective both consider family to be playing an important role in nurturing our behaviors. The two perspective can be used to explain schizophrenia. (Nevid, p.11) The two perspectives explain this disorder by taking into consideration the role of family in the development of the disorder. They explain the disorder from how it originates and how it builds and develops over the years to the adolescent stage where it presents itself.
Conclusion
There are severalconnections and variations between biological and psychodynamic perspective of psychology. It can be argued in summary that the biological perspective is reductionist, only focuses on bodily and natural things while psychodynamic perspective is holistic as it focuses both on the environmental aspects and natural things.(Nevid, p.123) The psychodynamic perspective of psychology can be said to be more credible in the sense that it considers more than just one factor. Biological perspective can also be said to be highly scientific compared to psychodynamic perspective. It is, therefore, difficult to conclude which perspective is more superior to the other.
Work Cited
Nevid. J Essentials of Psychology: Concepts and Application, Boston:CENGAGE Learning, 2011. Print.
