5-7 page essay

Application of Psychoanalytic theories

Abstract

Since time immemorial, theorists have studied the mind and how it functions. However, many consider Freud as the founder of psychology. Freud created influential theories both in science and medicine. His theories apply to different disciples. Freud proposed several theories in psychiatry which are based in psychoanalysis. Freud's key concepts in his theories comprised of ego, fantasy, unconscious and dreams. Sigmund believed that the principle of causal effect strongly determines feelings and thoughts. Sigmund theory has been significant in treatment and evaluation individual's behavior or replication of emotions. In trying to understand psychoanalysis theories, several theorists have emerged; however, their concept relies on Freud's ideas. Greatly, psychoanalytic theories can be distinguished from different perspectives in terms of individuals, social and cultural aspects. This essay focuses on the application of psychoanalytic in personal life and real-life scenarios.

Feist, & Feist, (2009) define; personality as what makes us who we are. Basing this from real-world observation, every individual portrays unique personality traits. However, it is likely to have people with similar or different personalities. Personality is a subject that has intrigued many researchers and theorists. Regarding Freud psychoanalytic theory of personality, human behavior is influenced by multiple aspects of interaction. At this point, it is essential to understand that Freud perceived personality as a result of multiple elements. In school settings, personality influence learners' behaviors. From a personal standpoint, I believe that personality influences students' learning behaviors. Reflecting on my senior high school, students portrayed different personality traits as Freud asserted. I am an extravert. In this sense, I was verbally active and socially active in class. My personality was the main reason I found my way in drama clubs.

Further, a friend of mine was the contrary opposite. He was a bit shy or unsocial. All these personality traits have a psychological explanation.

During childhood, newborns develop awareness through experiences and learning from people around them. A child later develops an ego and super-ego component which is vital in understanding Freud theory. Ego is a realistic determinism. The super-ego, on the other hand, focuses on both values and morals of society which are learned by one's caregivers and others. To have a better comprehension of the three structures that continue to raise awareness about personality theories, it is essential relating them to real-world experiences. Conferring with Freud, it is the structure that is concerned with the satisfaction of basic urges.

An example of this would be to take something from someone without their consent. This example demonstrates that the id operates unconsciously. In other words, all it cares about is the gratification of urges irrespective of whether the actions are socially acceptable or immoral.

Conferring with Engler, (2013), superego is the structure that is concerned with social standards and morals. From a psychological perspective, social norms and differentiation of right and wrong develop as we interact with the environment and people. For example, young children have no idea whether stealing is right or wrong. Offering a general example, different societies have different social standards. Similarly, what may be immoral in one society could be morally right in another. In one instance, I remember coming across a homeless man on the street. Instantly, my conscious was sparked, and I offered the man a few dollars. From this point of view, it is right to say that the superego acted like the moral compass. It is culturally correct and accepted to assist people in need. To some extent, some of these structures are deeply embedded in our inner self to the extent that we act unconsciously.

Lastly, the ego is a real personality. Essentially, it balances the need of the id and the superego. For example, John walks past the stranger with a burger. Typically, John ego will conflict with the sense that he will needlessly want to have the burger. On the contrary, his superego will inform him that it is wrong to take someone else's burger without their consent. As the ego tries to balance between the other two structures, John is likely to buy his burger. Psychoanalytically, the ego supersedes the id and the superego, and as a result, makes the right decision. John must forego the urge to have someone else's burger to avoid uncouth circumstances.

Freud idea that personality is shaped in childhood is quite relatable in real life. Being brought up in a family of three gives me a chance to relate the Sigmund theory of personality and concepts. Our parents were regularly involved in conflicts. Growing up in this environment as a child greatly influenced my behaviors. To some extent, this childhood experience creates a fear of marriage life. This analogy can be related to a person who in the past had experienced a tragic accident. Every time the survivor is riding and comes to a sudden stop, the person may begin to panic. Arguably, the victim panicking can be as a result of experiencing an accident as a child. This demonstrates that childhood experiences are selective and can reoccur based on present experiences. For example, our way of remembering things of someone is enhanced by our perception of that particular thing or person.

Psychoanalytic theories in relation to cognitive and perception can be understood, in the context of marriage. My cousin Joy lived with us because her parents were getting a divorce. The environment was not healthy for Joy since she was emotionally affected. She had to wait for the court to decide on critical issues regarding her custodian. Before Joy's mother decided to file for divorce, her husband mistreated her even in the presence of Joy. I can now relate this situation with psychoanalytic theories for better understanding. Divorce is among the most incomprehensible issue couples struggle with. However, when divorce is the only option children may be psychologically impacted. Then, Joy could not comprehend why her parents were divorcing. Typically, there is always the worry that their parents may stop loving them. Joy's life was impacted both economically and socially. For example, she had to transfer from her previous school.

This confusion and uncertainty in life caused her grades to deteriorate. Joy is now 26 years and portrays no interest in getting married. Most of her friends are now married with at least one child. However, Joy does not want to get married. Basing this from psychoanalytic theories her parents divorcing might have impacted her psychologically. In other words, past experiences can significantly contribute to how we function or perceive things later in life. These experiences are stored in our subconscious mind any time experience of the past is revealed; it triggers fear.

Sharing the same rationale as Syed, & McLean, (2017) during childhood development, kids learn from their immediate caregivers and the environment. Freud concept of personality is well understood from Erikson's standpoint. Erikson's emphasizes on the idea of social nature and development. Erikson modified Freud's theory of personality allowing us to understand philosophical concepts. According to Erikson people’s personality and behaviors are as a result of interaction with others. Apparently, through interaction with people and the environment, our sense of self is modified. Sharing Erikson’s idea that we are prompted to achieve success in certain areas in life create a feeling of real-life experiences. For example, in school settings, we are motivated to achieve success out of the notion that success will help us resolve other issues. However, each stage in life contains a task that an individual must accomplish.

Focusing on the various stages proposed by Erikson, trust is the foundation of human development. This stage occurs during infancy. At this stage infants entirely depend on their immediate caregivers. From this point of view, a child can either develop trust or mistrust. This means that parents have the sole responsibility to impact confidence in their children. In other words, the mode of raising a child can determine how a child perceives or interpret events in the real world. Relating this to real life experiences, an individual who is inappropriately raised can develop mistrust or fear. This fear can transition into their adult life. For instance, a child brought up by a sensitive parent extends the same behavior to his or her children unconsciously. In an educational setting, students in an encouraging environment are likely to perform outstanding compared to children in a less motivated environment.

Moving on a child between ages 1-3 starts to interpret the world in their surroundings. It is at this point that toddlers begin to react and equally act on the environment to get outcomes. From personal experience, toddlers start to develop preferences toward certain elements. As a child, it is likely to establish preferences toward toys or a food. In layman's term, this is the stage that children develop the enthusiasm to explore things. This stage is susceptible in the sense that if a child is denied a chance to act on his or her environment, they can easily doubt their abilities.

In summary, each stage poses a challenge that an individual must resolve. To have a clear perspective, people in the mid-20s seem to concentrate more on intimacy. People gain a sense of self that triggers our consciousness to share our life with others. According to Engler, (2013) an expert in biology reveals the inner self helps us understand the world in a better way. In the context of Erikson approach, during childhood development, child behaviors and actions are informed by both biological and social expectations.

Carl Jung theory further helps us understand psychoanalysis theories from a different perspective. Jung theory of analytical psychology is based on universal themes, culture and people's dream among others. According to Feist, & Feist, (2009) people's experiences contribute to their persona which is based on conscious experiences. For example, our inner self informs our behaviors or actions. Usually, our persona is influenced by various themes in our life that vary from one environment to another. Society is another concept that Jung's uses to help us understand analytical psychology. Society has set parameters that define our true self. People are forced to hide some parts of their inner self to align with society's expectations. For example, it defines our moral codes of ethics. My family traces its roots from Africa. We have had to relocate multiple times, but currently, they have settled in South Georgia. Despite being in a modern and thriving city, I unconsciously find myself inclining to certain behaviors which according to Jung are biological. At the same time, behaviors and personality can be influenced by social setups of a society.

Conclusion

Psychoanalysis theories are deeply devoted to understanding how humans’ minds functions. Freud as the founder of the psychoanalytic theories offered different perspectives to human behaviors and actions. These theories are relevant because they help us understand both the human mind and human behaviors. As portrayed in the essay most of these theories are relatable to the personal or real-world occurrence of events. For example, Sigmund theory is based on his childhood. It is his childhood life that created the basis for psychoanalysis theory. Psychoanalysis theories have contributed a lot toward understanding human minds and how it functions. Freud psychoanalytic theory asserts that people behaviors are informed by various fundamental components, id, ego, as well as superego. Collectively, psychoanalytic theories focus on the role of consciousness psychology in shaping human behaviors. These theories are applicable in clinical settings because they revolve around analyzing human minds. Therapists for example through psychoanalytic approach can change the perception of an individual. Through psychoanalysis therapy, patients can better understand their consciousness and how it influences behavior or thoughts. Through the different psychoanalytic theories, it is possible to combine personality with other therapeutic techniques to explain one's thoughts or actions. Psychoanalytic theories are applied in practical ways.

References

Engler, B. (2013). Personality theories. Nelson Education.

Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of personality.

Peck, D., & Whitlow, D. (2019). Approaches to personality theory. Routledge.

Syed, M., & McLean, K. C. (2017). Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development.