In the Context of human and personality development, the role of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic theories cannot be underrated. The psychoanalytic theory seeks to explain the personality of an individual by analyzing the various psychosexual stages involved during their personal development. Central to the theories of psychoanalytic are the efforts of Sigmund Fred who proposed that people mostly operates from three distinct states of being: the id which seeks self-gratification; the superego which seeks to do what is morally right; and the ego, the rational mediator between id and the superego (Fred, 2011). These theories are vital in defining the dynamics of personality development and organization and can be applied effectively by any individual for their personal development and also in the clinical treatment of psychopathology. In this paper, I will seek to reflect on the psychoanalytic theories and their applicability in explaining human behavior. In addition, I will expound on how these psychoanalytic theories can help me in my personal and professional relationships.
According to Sigmund, the id is the only component of personality structure and development that is usually present from birth. He explains this facet as being entirely unconscious and mostly includes instinctive behaviors that allow us to have our basic needs fulfilled. For instance, if a little child is hungry, s/he would cry until the demands of the id are met. This is usually an unconscious and instinctive behavior which is based on the pleasure principle (Cooper 2008). In addition he explains the stage of superego to be the phase that an individual is very conscious of his/her deeds and works to do everything guided by the moral principles of discerning right from wrong. In his last of personality development, Sigmund explained the Ego stage as being the rational mediator between the two other stages, For instance, As the child is growing the use of id to fulfill their personal demands may not be always be possible in the long run especially after three years of age and therefore, the child starts to interact with the environment and personal development in the form of moral judgment and viewing things from a realist perspective is gradually achieved(Fred 2011). Thereby proving to be effective tools in explaining human behavior from the time that a child is born and all along their development stages.
These psychoanalytic theories will immensely assist me both in my personal and professional relationships. Since the ego stage has a characteristic of dealing with expedient changes in our external environment, its applicability is therefore vital in the analysis of day-today events and how they affect my wellbeing and also how my personal desires ought to be fulfilled in relation to living with other people. In regard to the contribution of psychoanalytic theories in my professional field, it is evident that it has led to the development of an array of psychotherapies that have ultimately become of immense help in the treatment of mental health problems such as resistance, transference and trauma.
In conclusion, it is evident that psychoanalytic theories are or fundamental importance to the development of individual. Through these theories deeper understanding of the role of the unconscious motivation which is usually buried below the impulses of awareness is achieved. Fred further explains that personal development is largely based on the struggle between societal prohibitions and the instinctual impulses which are driven usually driven out by self awareness. Therefore, by applying this theory, I find the psychoanalytic theory to be among some of the best theories that seek to explain human behavior and their relative development.
Reference
Cooper, A. M. (Ed.). (2008). Contemporary Psychoanalysis in America: Leading Analysts
Present Their Worká. American Psychiatric Pub.
Freud, S. (2011). Beyond the pleasure principle. Broadview Press.
