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Abstract
Theories in human development strive to explain factors that influence and mold a human into
who they become. The social cognitive theory focuses on social interactions, observations, and
modeling for its research. Psychodynamic theory focuses on early childhood experiences and
unconscious desires for its explanation of human behavior. Within both theories there are notable
similarities and differences. Despite the differences, the two theories work together to provide a
deeper understanding of human development.
Keywords: Social Cognitive Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Similarities, Differences,
Behavior, Development, Conscious, Unconscious, Processes
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Human Development: A Comparison of Theories
There are various theories within psychology that seek to explain and describe how a
human grows and learns. Human development is an area of study within psychology that
explores the way individuals grow and change throughout their lives. While most theories seek to
explain the same general idea, theories widely differ in their approaches. For example, the Social
Cognitive Theory focuses on the interactions between individuals’ thoughts while the
Psychodynamic Theory emphasizes the role of unconscious desires and early childhood
experiences. By examining these contrasting perspectives, a deeper understanding of the
complex factors that shape individuals’ development can be gained.
The Social Cognitive Theory
The Social Cognitive Theory started as a social learning theory in the 1960s. With the
help and expertise of Albert Bandura, the social learning theory gained traction and became
known as the social cognitive theory in 1986. This theory emphasizes the interactions between
individuals’ thoughts, behaviors, and their environment. According to Bandura (2001),
individuals learn through observation and modeling. As humans observe behaviors of others and
the consequences that follow, they are able to make cognitive connections between a specific
behavior and the outcomes therefore either reinforcing or punishing a behavior. This theory also
highlights the importance of self-efficacy, which refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to
successfully perform a specific task or behavior. Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in motivation,
goal setting, and achievement. Overall, the social cognitive theory provides a comprehensive
framework for understanding how individuals learn, develop, and navigate their social
environments.
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The Psychodynamic Theory
The Psychodynamic Theory was proposed by Sigmund Freud in 1917. The theory
focuses on the role of unconscious processes in shaping human behavior and experiences
(Westen, 1998). According to Freud, an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are
influenced by unconscious conflicts and desires that stem from early childhood experiences.
Freud believed that the mind is composed of three parts: the ID, ego, and superego. Each of these
parts had a unique function. The ID operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate
gratification of basic instincts and desires. The ego acts as a mediator between the ID and the
external world by meeting the demands of reality. The superego represents internalized moral
standards and societal norms. In addition to Freud’s work, other notable contributors to the
psychodynamic theory include Jung, Adler, and Erikson. Jung introduced the concept of the
collective unconscious which encompasses shared symbols and archetypes that influence our
thoughts and behaviors. Adler emphasized the role of social factors and the pursuit of superiority
in shaping personality. Erikson proposed a psychosocial theory of development which highlights
the importance of resolving psychosocial conflicts at different stages of life. These three theorists
expanded Freud’s work by providing insights into the unconscious processes and dynamics that
shape human behavior and experiences.
Similarities
Both social cognitive and psychodynamic theory share some similarities between them
such as their focus on internal processes that shape human behavior and development. In social
cognitive theory proposed by Bandura (2001), emphasis is placed on the role of observation and
modeling in learning and behavior. Similarly, Frued highlights the unconscious processes. Both
theories recognize the importance of internal mental processes in shaping human experiences.
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Furthermore, both theories acknowledge the impact of early childhood experiences on later
development. For example, Freud highlights the unconscious desires from childhood and
Bandura (2001) highlights learning from observations in childhood. Both theories work together
to bring a better understanding to the human development process.
Differences
It is notable that there are several differences among the social cognitive and
psychodynamic theories. One key difference is the focus on different aspects of human
functioning. Social cognitive theory is based on the role of cognitive processes created through
observations and modeling of behaviors while the psychodynamic theory is solely based on
unconscious desires and motivations. Bandura (2001) emphasizes the importance of cognitive
and conscious processes for learning behavior as well as the need for self-efficacy and self-
regulation in order to be successful. On the other hand, Freud places greater emphasis on
unconscious processes, unresolved conflicts, and early childhood experiences in the shaping of
behavior (Westen, 1998). Another difference between the two lies in their underlying
assumptions about personality development. Social cognitive theory views personality as a result
of reciprocal interactions between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors while
psychodynamic theory view personality as being shaped by unconscious conflicts and desires
that emerge from early childhood. While the two theories have notable differences in their
driving forces behind behaviors, they work together to help better understand human
development.
Integration
Psychodynamic theory and social cognitive theory can be integrated by recognizing the
complementary aspects of each. For example, it is important to acknowledge that while one
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theory focuses on conscious aspects, the other focuses on the unconscious. These ideas can be
integrated and used to explain and understand how both unconscious and conscious processes
occur during human development. By considering both the conscious and unconscious there is a
bigger picture painted, illustrating the complexities of behavior and development. Another way
these two theories can work together is by recognizing the importance of both individual and
environmental factors. While social cognitive theory studies the role of environmental factors
and social influence, psychodynamic theory is contributing to the individual aspect of childhood
experiences. By considering the individual cognitive processes, social interactions, and early
experiences, there is a more holistic perspective on human behavior and development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the psychodynamic and social cognitive theory work together to
highlight how individual personalities, experiences, and social interactions shape human
behaviors. The two theories share emphasis on internal processes and early experiences on the
shaping of a human. However, the two theories differ in that one is based on unconscious
processes while the other pulls from conscious processes. Both the psychodynamic theory and
social cognitive theory are used to gain a better understanding and a more holistic perspective on
the complex processes behind human behavior and development.
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References
Bandura (2001), A. (2001). Social cognitive theory: an agentic perspective. Annual Review of
Psychology, 52, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.1
Westen, D. (1998). The scientific legacy of Sigmund Freud: Toward a psychodynamically
informed psychological science. Psychological Bulletin, 124(3), 333–371.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.124.3.333
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