...something people can share and relate to with one another. According to Allport, “Personality is about what is unique to the individual, but it is also about what is shared across people” (Allport, 1962). Although there are several approaches to the personality analysis, this paper will specifically focus on the psychodynamic, humanistic and existential approaches. This paper will compare and contrast these theories, explore the characteristics that accompany these theories, and explain the interpersonal relational aspects associated with these particular theories. Psychodynamic Theory The theory of psychodynamics is the basic study of all psychological abilities that place an influence on human behavior (Feist & Feist, 2009). This may especially include the compelling relationships among the motivation of the conscious and unconscious, which were the ideas of Sigmund Freud. Although Freud established the ideas of “psychodynamics” to explain the mind flow of the libido, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, and Melanie Klein should also be accredited for laying the foundation for the psychodynamic theory (Wikipedia Foundation, Inc., 2011). The ideas behind psychodynamics are often divided into two sections. The first is the interaction of emotional forces, which is the correlation between the emotional and motivational impulses...
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...|[pic] |Course Syllabus | | |College of Social Sciences | | |PSY/405 Version 2 | | |Theories of Personality | Copyright © 2010, 2009, 2007 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course surveys the field of personality from a scientific perspective, examining the general approaches to understanding personality. The key theorists and concepts associated with each perspective are highlighted, along with the strengths and limitations of the different approaches. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend...
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...assumptions that underlie the research questions and methods that are used in order to answer the questions of psychology. Most all perspectives define psychology as the discipline interested in studying human behavior and mental processes, but that covers a lot of ground and the causes of behavior and mental processes are not always clear. This outline will attempt to catalogue the major perspectives and give the reader a sense of the underlying assumptions, the philosophical foundations, the research methods, and the outcomes or practices that result from the efforts of researchers and practitioners. Let's just begin with a list of the perspectives and a short description. 1. Psychodynamic Perspective: Probably the approach that has been most popularly associated with the discipline of psychology for the past century is the psychodynamic, psychoanalytic perspective. Sigmund Freud, who was medically trained in neurology, developed a theory of personality that made the assumption that human motivation was propelled by conflicts between instinctual, mostly unconscious, psychological forces. He called these intrapsychic elements the id, ego and superego. (You know the drill) This psychodynamic theory caught on like wild fire and due to its explanatory power for human behavior, became very popular over the following century. Freud's therapeutic method, called psychoanalysis, was developed to identify the underlying conflicts between intrapsychic structures and resolve...
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...assumptions that underlie the research questions and methods that are used in order to answer the questions of psychology. Most all perspectives define psychology as the discipline interested in studying human behavior and mental processes, but that covers a lot of ground and the causes of behavior and mental processes are not always clear. This outline will attempt to catalogue the major perspectives and give the reader a sense of the underlying assumptions, the philosophical foundations, the research methods, and the outcomes or practices that result from the efforts of researchers and practitioners. Let's just begin with a list of the perspectives and a short description. 1. Psychodynamic Perspective: Probably the approach that has been most popularly associated with the discipline of psychology for the past century is the psychodynamic, psychoanalytic perspective. Sigmund Freud, who was medically trained in neurology, developed a theory of personality that made the assumption that human motivation was propelled by conflicts between instinctual, mostly unconscious, psychological forces. He called these intrapsychic elements the id, ego and superego. (You know the drill) This psychodynamic theory caught on like wild fire and due to its explanatory power for human behavior, became very popular over the following century. Freud's therapeutic method, called psychoanalysis, was developed to identify the underlying conflicts between intrapsychic structures and resolve...
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...Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories Name PSY/405 Date Teacher University Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories In a perfect world, there would only be one, if not two different types of personality theories that psychologists would have to choose from in order to diagnose and treat their patients with, but variety, as they say, is the spice of life. In addition to that of psychodynamic personality theories, another set of equally important, and perhaps more interesting are that of humanistic and existential theories, made popular by psychologists Carl Rodger and Abraham Maslow. Humanistic and Existential Analysis Individual Personalities Humanistic and Existential theories focus on the different aspects of an individual in his or her journey toward self-actualization. Abraham Maslow’s holistic-dynamic (humanistic) approach focuses on the needs of an individual and how the fulfillment of those needs help or hinder one journey. Although the needs are intrinsic to humans, the progress to the next step is contingent upon the fulfillment, or satisfaction of the prior need (Feist, & Feist, 2009). Carl Rogers’s client-centered theory also includes needs but goes farther to explain the significance of self-awareness in reaching self-actualization. Maslow’s and Rogers encompassing approach toward understanding human motivation included the evaluation of one’s physical, mental, and social conditions as well as the positive aspect of an individual‘s...
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...COUNSELLING? LECTURER: PASTOR OWINO PSYCHOANALYTIC THERAPY Sigmund Freud is credited as the founder of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic theory. There have been a multitude of variations that have evolved and the term most often used to broadly encompass these approaches is "Psychodynamic." Terms such as: neurosis, conflict, attachment, object relations, unconscious, defense mechanisms, id, ego, superego, drives, libido, transference, counter-transference, and countless more have emerged from this approach. Some of the major approaches within the psychodynamic category are: Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud), Adlerian Psychotherapy (Alfred Adler), Analytical Psychotherapy(Carl Jung), Object Relations (Mahler, Winnicott, Fairbairn, Klein, Gutrip, Kernberg and others), and Self Psychology (Heinz Kohut). Freud's original theories were based on the conflicts that he believed were at the core of human existence. These conflicts emerge from attempts to reconcile our biological selves with our social selves. Aspects of these conflicts are unconscious and influence our behavior without our awareness. Psychodynamic therapies work to make the unconscious conscious so that we can have greater insight into our needs and behavior and therefore more control over how we allow these conflicts to affect us. His therapy explores the dynamic workings of a mind understood to consist of three parts: the hedonistic id , the rational...
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...provide individual differences in behavior, consistency of behavior over time, and stability of behavior beyond situations. A person has unique qualities called characteristics that involve intelligence, temperament, and physical appearance (Feist & Feist, 2009). Altogether, the definition of personality implies, “…a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that give both consistency and individuality to a person’s behavior” (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 4). An ample explanation of the psychological understanding of personality is coming in the development of the theoretical approaches in the study of personality. There are several theoretical approaches in studying personality. One theory is psychodynamic. Among the psychodynamic personality theories are the psychoanalysis, individual psychology, analytical psychology, object relations theory, social theory, and interpersonal theory. Psychoanalysis was introduced by Sigmund Freud. Psychoanalysis focuses on sex and aggression (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 17)....
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...Behavior Introduction paragraph needs to be 150 words Humanistic and Existential Theories Affect Individual Personalities “The humanistic theory emphasizes free will in the development of personality” (Kowalski & Western, 2011). Existential-humanistic psychology plays a significant part in the development of individual personalities. Humanistic theory is the perception of good in every human. This theory outlines steps for everyone to follow to reach a level of self-actualization. Lower physiological needs such as oxygen, water, and nourishment must be satisfied before higher level psychological needs such as belongingness and love are met. “People must satisfy lower needs such as hunger, safety, love and esteem, only after they are relatively satisfied in each of these needs can he or she reach self-actualization” (Feist & Feist, 2009 p. 275). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs helps people understand the steps needed to attain their self-goals. The client-centered theory founded by Carl Rodgers is very similar to Maslow’s theory, but it primarily focuses on helping individuals better him or herself. “Rodger’s used a nondirective approach that focused on the present instead of an individual’s past like Freud’s psychodynamic theory” (Kowalski & Western, 2011). Like Maslow Rodger believed in helping individuals reach the self-actualization level in life. Rollo May was the spokesperson for existential theory nearly fifty years although; he is not the founder of the theory. “He...
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...Psychodynamics is the systematic study and theory of the psychological forces that underline human behavior, emphasizing the interplay between unconscious and conscious motivation.[1] The original concept of "psychodynamics" was developed by Sigmund Freud.[2] Freud suggested that psychological processes are flows of psychological energy in a complex brain, establishing "psychodynamics" on the basis of psychological energy, which he referred to as libido. The psychodynamic psychotherapy is a less intensive form compared to classical psychoanalysis practiced by strict Freudians, demanding sessions only once weekly instead of 3-5 times weekly which was typical for traditional psychoanalysts. Psychodynamic therapies depend on a theory of inner conflicts which surface in behaviour or emotions. Generally, one conflict is subconscious. ------------------------------------------------- Overview In general, psychodynamics, also known as dynamic psychology, is the study of the interrelationship of various parts of the mind, personality, or psyche as they relate to mental, emotional, or motivational forces especially at the unconscious level.[4][5][6] The mental forces involved in psychodynamics are often divided into two parts:[7] (a) interaction of emotional forces: the interaction of the emotional and motivational forces that affect behavior and mental states, especially on a subconscious level; (b) inner forces affecting behavior: the study of the emotional and motivational forces...
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...Operant conditioning Psychopathology- the study of abnormal behaviour Biological functions such as eating, drinking and sleeping are regulated by… • Homeostasis: steady state of equilibrium within bodily systems. A system is returned to a resting level through motivational states that energise and direct homeostasis-restoring behaviours. ! • Thus, homeostatic systems include several features: 1. Set Point: biologically optimal level the system strives to maintain. 2. Feedback mechanisms: provide information regarding the state of the system with respect to variables being regulated. 3. Corrective mechanisms: restore the system to its set point when needed. Physiological needs describe a deficient biological condition. Occur with tissue and bloodstream deficits, as from water loss, nutrient deprivation or physical injury. ➡ If water loss occurs below an optimal homeostatic level (around 2%) this creates the physiological need that underlies thirst. defined as • THIRST iswater deficit.a consciously experienced motivational state (drive) that readies the body to perform behaviours needed to replenish ➡ So drive is a psychological (not biological) term. Conscious manifestation of an underlying biological need that has motivational properties (to energise and direct behaviour). ➡ How does thurst arise? Water lies inside (intracellular fluid contributes 40% body weight) and outside (extracellular fluid contributes 20% body weight) cells. ! We may distinguish between osmometric...
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...says or paraphrasing the clients rather than giving answers. When counselors are doing this there is a strategy behind it. Counseling is not about expect fixing problematic people, they just motivate people to pick up the broken pieces in their behaviors that need attention. Because counselors have a lot of experience witnessing human beings in various forms of life challenges, they use techniques or share observations that are more revealing than what friends or family members might say. With these revelations, clients make decisions and with the support of the counselor, clients take action towards positive growth in their lives. This paper is an expression of my current thinking regarding a theoretical approach of individual counseling. The counselor’s approach is unique based on his or her personal belief systems and values. I have adopted and integrated counseling approach to understanding the individual’s irrational beliefs and the implications of these beliefs on thinking, feeling and behavior. In this paper, the word ‘counselor’ and ‘therapist’ will be used interchangeably. Developing Personal Style of Counseling: My integrative Approach to Counseling Different counseling theorists have proposed different theories of counseling and they are all good approaches in their...
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...mystical/supernatural (possession of spirits), scientific/medical (biological, imbalances, faulty learning processes, or emotional stressors), and humanitarian (cruelty or inadequate living conditions) (Frude, 1998). Each of these theories and the ongoing advancements in knowledge has been the foundation of the study of abnormal psychology. To comprehend the effort that these aspects of psychology have had in this field of study, it is important to know the origins of abnormal behavior, how this behavior was recognized and treated, how abnormal psychology evolved into a scientific discipline, and the theoretical models related to the development of abnormal psychology. Origins of Abnormal Psychology and the Evolution of the Scientific Approach Abnormal psychology has been studied for about 100 years, but the recognition of what society deems to be abnormal behavior goes back further than that, to the primitive and pre-modern societies (Damour & Hansell, 2005). One of the most common approaches in explaining abnormal behavior was a form of animism which indicated that an individual inflicted with a mental disorder was possessed with an evil or malevolent spirit....
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...Chapter 1 notes: What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Some people might think that psychologists are interested only in problem or abnormal behaviors. In fact they are interested in every aspect of human thought and behavior. Perhaps the best way to introduce psychology is to look at what topics interest psychologists. The Fields of Psychology Two major organizations American Psychological Association (APA), founded over 100 years ago, and the American Psychological Society (APS), founded in 1988. Developmental Psychology Development psychologists study human mental and physical growth from the prenatal period through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Child psychologists focus on infants and children. Adolescent psychologists, who specialize in the teenage years. Life-span psychologists, who focus on the adult years. Physiological Psychology Physiological Psychologists investigate the biological basis of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Neuropsychologists are primarily interested n the brain and the nervous system. Psychobiologists specialize in the body’s biochemistry and in the way that hormones, psychoactive medications (such antidepressants), and “social drugs” (such as alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine) affect people. Behavioral geneticists investigate the impact of heredity on both normal and abnormal traits and behavior. Experimental Psychology Experimental psychologists conduct...
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...Astrophysics: the study of the physics of the universe Bacteriology: the study of bacteria in relation to disease Biochemistry: the study of the organic chemistry of compounds and processes occurring in organisms Biophysics: the application of theories and methods of the physical sciences to questions of biology Biology: the science that studies living organisms Botany: the scientific study of plant life Chemical Engineering: the application of science, mathematics, and economics to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms Chemistry: the science of matter and its interactions with energy and itself Climatology: the study of climates and investigations of its phenomena and causes Computer Science: the systematic study of computing systems and computation Ecology: the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment Electronics: science and technology of electronic phenomena Engineering: the practical application of science to commerce or industry Entomology: the study of insects Environmental Science: the science of the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment Forestry: the science of studying and managing forests and plantations, and related natural resources Genetics: the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms Geology: the science of the Earth, its structure, and history ...
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...biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, existential, family-social, and multicultural. Within each of these models, there are specific key techniques, goals and a different role played by a therapist. If I were to create my own model of abnormality, it could be considered a biopsychosocial theory, as it contains parts from each model. Seeing as these abnormalities are focused on humans, my model would have a biological foundation. I believe a good portion of abnormal behavior is caused by brain chemistry and genetics. It is no secret that psychotropic medications have been a great advancement and advantage in the treatment of abnormal behavior. It is also scientifically proven to be a primary cause and there has been strong scientific research to back up the claim. Although effective for many sufferers, a disadvantage of this portion of my model is that not all biological theories and treatments work for everyone. Secondly within my model is a portion of the behavioral model. I believe everyday of our lives we react and respond to our environment and can always change by learning. It is my belief that individuals can be conditioned, whether through operant, model or classical conditioning, to correct and/or desensitize themselves and their behaviors. There is strong research in the field to confirm the advantages of this theory which include re-teaching individuals to overcome things such as phobias. Although an extremely helpful and successful approach, I believe...
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