Wk 3: Discussion: Evaluating Psychoanalytical Theory
SOCW 6060: Social Work Theory and Clinical Practice
Post a response to the following: Summarize the assumptions of Freud’s psychoanalytical theory in 2–3
sentences. Explain whether you believe it is appropriate to apply psychoanalytic theory to women and
individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups. Explain whether you believe psychoanalytic theory is
consistent with social work values and social work ethics.
Summarize the assumptions of Freud’s psychoanalytical
theory : Freud’s psychoanalytical theory focusing on the
individual’s “personality development, through three fundamental
structures, the id, ego, and superego” (Turner, 2017) His theory is
about our internal struggles of right and wrong, the Id is like the
kid in us, for example as a kid in we want everything, and we
want it now. No matter the consequences, the super ego is like
our parent telling us what we need to do and how we need to do
it. For example, it is like when our parents said we are going to
school, you are going to do your homework, you are going to get
good grades, and follow the rules of society to a T. Then you have
ego, the balancing act. Where the Id is saying party all the time,
no matter the consequences. The superego is telling you to study
and not have distractions, whereas the ego balances the two and
says go to school throughout the week and then have your fun.
Pleasing both the id and superego, therefore keeping the balance
between the two. The theory addresses internal human struggles
of good and bad that guide people to make final decisions.
Another assumption of Freud’s theoretical framework is the
emphasis on a multi-stage development process which individuals
must progress through to achieve success as adults.
Explain whether you believe it is appropriate to apply
psychoanalytic theory to women and individuals from
racial and ethnic minority groups. Applying Freud’s
psychoanalytical theory to women and individuals from racial and
ethnic minority groups can be inappropriate and insensitive.
According to (Yakushko, 2021) “Western psychologies of the
Global North, are grounded in racist and colonial assumptions,
and also profoundly sexist.”
I do agree with him that early childhood development is
important, childhood experiences can shape who you are as an
adult. For example, if a child was bullied as a kid over appearance
or body size; they might be into dieting or obsessed with
improving physical image because of past childhood experiences.
On the other hand, this theory can be appropriate when the
clinician approaches the client with cultural awareness and
sensitivity. When clinician can approach all clients with cultural
competency, they would understand what aspects of the theory
to apply in each individual case.
