Psychology is often characterized as being represented by three main forces: Freud's psychodynamic approach, behaviorism, and humanism. Highlight the main features of each of these forces

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Freud's psychodynamic approach emphasized the importance of the unconscious, a region of the mind that lay beyond the scope of ordinary consciousness. The unconscious was responsible for primitive drives of a sexual and aggressive nature (instincts). The wishes and desires that these instincts generated served to motivate our behaviors. Freud also stressed the importance of early childhood experience in forming our personality and shaping our behavior. Abnormal conditions arise from unresolved childhood conflicts. These conflicts are the result of a constant battle between the primitive instincts of the unconscious and mental forces that act to prevent these instincts from achieving conscious awareness. Behaviorism was founded by John Watson. Its primary tenet was that psychology should focus on the study of overt behavior that observers could record and explain objectively. Thus, mental processes such as the conscious or unconscious should not and could not be the subject of study. A second major belief of Watson was that the environment shapes the behavior of humans and other animals. All behavior was the result of
learning. Another behaviorist, B.F. Skinner, observed that behaviors are shaped by the consequences (rewards and punishments) that follow particular responses. In the
1950s, humanistic psychology developed as a response to the essentially deterministic nature of Freudian theory and behaviorism. Humanistic psychologists contended that free will and conscious choice are fundamental components of being human. They appreciated the unique qualities of each individual. Humanistic psychologists also
focus on conscious experience. They stress the importance of self-awareness. People can achieve authenticity by being true to themselves. All people have creative potential and can make choices that give meaning and purpose to their lives.