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Psychodynamic Personality

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Psychodynamic Personality Theories

“An individual's self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change. A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life” (Brothers, 2011, p. 1). Several psychologists have studied personality over the years, and with this research theories are applied. Theories have strengths and weaknesses and assist those who pursue further research regarding personality. Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic theories provide for a better understanding of the human personality and human nature. Sigmund Freud began the revolution of research and developed the first modern theory of personality. Freud’s research became a test if the future and led many others to develop their own theories some of which were empirical and some philosophical speculation. * Freud is well known for the twin cornerstones of psychoanalysis, which are sex and aggression. Freud revised his concept of personality several times because he believed that a theory should be followed up with observation. Freud based his theory on his own dreams as well as encounters with patients. The psychoanalytic theory and dynamics of personality supported the idea that “motivation is derived from psychical and physical energy that springs from their basic drives” (Feist, J., & Feist, G., 2009, p. 2). Freud used the concept of motivation to explain the driving forces that cause people to behave or act as they do. Freud’s goal was to uncover repressed memories through dream analysis. The purpose of psychoanalysis is to strengthen the ego through the superego to basically refresh the id according to Freud. Some of Freud’s theories went unsupported because he lacked a true understanding of women and directed his theories to mainly men. “During the early years of his

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