Humanistic Perspectives vs. Psychoanalytic

Sample Solution

     

The psychoanalytic and humanistic perspectives on personality offer contrasting views of human nature, motivation, and the development of personality. Here's a breakdown of their key differences:

Psychoanalytic Perspective (Freud & Neo-Freudians)

• Focus: Unconscious mind, childhood experiences, internal conflicts (id, ego, superego)
• Human Nature: Essentially driven by base instincts and desires (id)
• Motivation: Reduce tension caused by unmet needs and desires
• Personality Development: Shaped by early childhood experiences and conflicts, particularly within the psychosexual stages

 

Full Answer Section

     

• Therapeutic Approach: Uncover unconscious conflicts to achieve self-awareness and positive change (e.g., psychoanalysis)

Sources:

• Freud, S. (1933). New introductory lectures on psychoanalysis (Vol. 1). W.W. Norton & Company.
• Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and society (2nd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.

Humanistic Perspective (Maslow & Rogers)

• Focus: Self-actualization, free will, conscious experience
• Human Nature: Fundamentally good and striving for growth and fulfillment
• Motivation: Achieve self-actualization by fulfilling needs in a hierarchy (Maslow) or to become a fully functioning person (Rogers)
• Personality Development: Continuous process shaped by experiences and choices, influenced by a striving for self-actualization
• Therapeutic Approach: Create a supportive environment to facilitate self-exploration and growth (e.g., client-centered therapy)

Sources:

• Maslow, A. H. (1968). Toward a psychology of being (2nd ed.). D. Van Nostrand Company.
• Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Key Contrasts:

• Determinism vs. Free Will: Psychoanalysis emphasizes the deterministic influence of the past on personality, while humanism emphasizes free will and the power of present choices.
• Human Nature: Psychoanalysis takes a more pessimistic view, with humans driven by basic instincts. Humanism sees humans as inherently good and striving for growth.
• Motivation: Psychoanalysis focuses on reducing tension from unmet needs, while humanism focuses on positive growth motivations like self-actualization.
• Personality Development: Psychoanalysis emphasizes fixed stages in childhood, while humanism views personality as continuously developing.

Additional Points:

• Neo-Freudians like Erikson and Adler expanded upon Freud's theory, acknowledging social and cultural influences alongside unconscious conflicts.
• Humanistic therapy emphasizes the therapist-client relationship, fostering self-exploration and self-acceptance.

It's important to note that these are broad strokes; both perspectives have their strengths and weaknesses. Psychoanalysis offers valuable insights into unconscious processes, while humanism provides a more optimistic and growth-oriented view. Further Exploration: You can delve deeper into specific aspects of these perspectives by exploring the sources listed above or by searching for relevant journal articles. Here are some potential search terms to get you started:

• "Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality"
• "Humanistic Psychology and Self-Actualization"
• "Comparison of Psychoanalytic and Humanistic Approaches"