Evaluating Psychoanalytical Theory Response

Summarize the assumptions of Freud’s psychoanalytical theory in 2–3 sentences.

Freud's psychoanalytical theory is based on various assumptions, including that the human mind has a limited capacity of energy that should be accounted for. Another assumption includes that the mind is a structure that is sectioned into three parts, namely the ego, id, and superego, with each section having its motivation (Burgin et al., 2022). It is further assumed that unconscious thoughts exist, and only one conscious effort is required to bring these concepts forward or conceal them, thus responsible for the experiences and behaviors. The last assumption includes that sexual experiences and childhood experiences widely contribute to their development.

Explain whether you believe it is appropriate to apply psychoanalytic theory to women and individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups.

The theory does not apply to women and people from ethnic and racial minority groups because the theory mistakenly affirms that women's consciousness is less established than men's and that women tend to be more passive. Making these allegations is an illustration of overgeneralization. Another reason Freud used a small sample population is that he observed young white boys who were handpicked from a similar socioeconomic class (Tubert-Oklander, 2019). He believed that the unconscious mind does not have any gender, social class, or race, and thus these attributes will not affect the treatment of the client. However, most minority groups suffer from oppression, which cannot go unnoticed as the symptoms of an oppressed individual are different from those of a person who has never experienced stigma. However, the theory should not be completely discarded because it created a foundation that discusses social problems that can help individuals regain their mental health. However, some factors do not apply to every individual across the board.

Explain whether you believe psychoanalytic theory is consistent with social work values and social work ethics.

The theory demonstrates inconsistencies with social work ethics and values. An example is when an author proposes that it would be inappropriate for a therapist to pressurize a female to be less assertive, especially if he believes that women should be more submissive. One value that the Social Work Code of Ethics reflects is the worth and dignity of an individual (Morgan, 2021). For this reason, the social worker should not employ psychoanalytic theory to make women feel less superior to men. The social worker should refrain from conversing with a female client regarding her perception of men. The social worker must demonstrate that they value others irrespective of their differences.

References

Bürgin, D., Staehle, A., Westhoff, K., & von Ballmoos, A. W. (2022). Analytic Listening in Clinical Dialogue: Basic Assumptions. Taylor & Francis.

Morgan, H. (2021). The Work of Whiteness: A Psychoanalytic Perspective. Routledge.

Tubert-Oklander, J. (2019). Beyond psychoanalysis and group analysis. The an urgent need for a new paradigm of the human being. Group Analysis, 52(4), 409-426.