Psychodynamic Theories Of Personality

Words: 1495
Pages: 6

Personality Theories Paper
Anthony J. Hebdo
Ohio Christian University
June 3, 2018

Personality Theories Paper
Psychodynamic theory is the perspective of personality with the emphasis on the unconscious and the significance of childhood experiences (Myers & DeWall, 2014). These theories view human behavior as an interaction involving the cognizant and obliviousness (Myers & DeWall, 2014). Psychodynamic theory centers around attempting to get inside the head of individuals to understand their relationships, experiences and how they see the world (Myers & DeWall, 2014). Sigmund Freud was the chief psychologist of his generation and is best known for advancing the concepts and methods of psychoanalysis (Myers & DeWall, 2014). His viewpoints on
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Apprehension accommodates as a sign to the ego that its existence is in danger (Myers & DeWall, 2014). To manage the battles and issues throughout everyday life, Freud expressed the ego facilities a series of resistance systems. (Myers & DeWall, 2014). Safeguard systems keep running at an oblivious level and help avert offensive sentiments (i.e. anxiety) or make good things feel better for the individual (Myers & DeWall, 2014). These safeguard systems are utilized to shield an individual from sentiments of tension or blame, which emerge because we feel threatened, or because our id or superego becomes too challenging (Myers & DeWall, 2014). Freud held all safeguard systems operate indirectly and involuntarily (Myers & DeWall, …show more content…
Freud was one weird person. After reading his theories and doing a little more research I can see how they came to those conclusions. To me, although Freud had some good ideas, his emphasis on everything somehow being sexual is a little disturbing. Maslow and Rogers’ theories on humanism are interesting. With Maslow’s theory of hierarchy, I can see how different people have different needs but do they really have an order? I believe the order varies from person to person. Just like each person is different, it is understandable that their needs also be different. Rogers’ theory of humanism I can get behind. I too believe in being genuine, accepting and empathic. I want to believe that each person is “basically good,” but I know that isn’t the fact. I think each person strives to be good, but sometimes the bad can outweigh the