Question

Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Sigmund Freud’s theory. Which aspects of his theory seem relevant to you? Which aspects seem more irrelevant? Please include two references

Answer 1

Strengths:

• His theories are able to explain human behavior and personality.
• They emphasize the role and impact of unconscious and early childhood experiences on human mind.
• They emphasize dynamic nature of behavior i.e. intentions and behaviors are influenced by many factors.
• His theories were the first to explain defense mechanisms and how it works.
• His works on defense mechanism, unconscious as well as his psychoanalysis approach is used even today to treat mental disorders. They were the greatest breakthrough in the field of psychology.

Weaknesses

• His theories are lacking in scientific research, as well as in empirical evidence.
• His theories seem biased due to neglect of cultural differences, environment and due to the use of selective subjects (studies were conducted on upper middle-class women or children). The theory cannot be generalized to a larger population.
• Theories are criticized for overemphasis on sexual desires and also for exaggerating the role of unconscious on behaviors without any evidence.
• His theories are also deemed as being pessimistic about human nature (there is no free will) and are unable to consider motives for personal growth, and self-fulfillment.

The role of unconscious as well as his explanation regarding ego, id and superego as well as their defense mechanisms seem most relevant. According to Freud, most of human's desires, impulses, and memories are repressed into the unconscious, but they impact behavior and they can be seen manifesting themselves through dreams and other subconscious actions (this being termed as 'Freudian Slips'.). Unconscious motivation is the motivating energy or impulse that influences our behavior, even without us being conscious about it. Freud also says that these motivations drive our actions and we are unaware of it due to our lack of control on our own thought, behavior, action, and on motivation itself. A part of it seems correct, as we cannot deny that unconscious as well as its motivation is what drives our behavior and actions. His views on partition of mind and its defense mechanisms are also very relevant. Freud divides the mind into three "structures:" "id," "ego," and the "superego." The unconscious id consists of primitive desires to satisfy a human's biological needs. It is always motivational, and aggressive. The unconscious superego reins in the id with moral rules and ethical consequences. It is always prohibitory, and logical. The conscious ego acts as the mediator between the two. To defend itself from the id's impulses, the ego develops defense mechanisms like Repression, sublimation, denial, etc. It creates a balance between the Id and Superego. Defense mechanisms help ward of unpleasant feelings like anxiety, or threat and help find an outlet to repressed conflicts through these mechanisms.

The irrelevant aspect is that Freud's work has overemphasized sexual desires and unconscious motivations and he has not considered free will and self-fulfillment or achievement as a part of driving force. Controversy is on the subject of influence the unconscious on an individual’s life and actions. As unconscious is immeasurable and a concept difficult to define, thereby lacking evidence comes off as a weakness and unreasonable aspect for the working of unconscious motivation. And too much credit is given to the role of sexual feelings and desires. His stages of psychosexual development is centered around genitals and erogenous zones and their working. He considers them as apart of childhood obstacle that needs to be overcome to become a fully functioning and mature adult. He defines human growth and human behavior as being due to driving force of unconscious motivation which is a mix of unconscious feelings and repressed sexual desires. He never viewed free will and self-actualization or feelings of fulfillment as part of driving force or as motivation factor in growth and behavior development. Humans possess the will to improve, and constantly develop to achieve fulfilment and self-actualization. This was never considered by Freud.

REFERENCES:

1. Calvin S. Hall, Gardner Lindzey, John B. Campbell. (2004). Theories of Personality - 4th Edition. New York: Wiley
2. James C. Coleman. (1969). Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life - 3rd Edition. Scott, Foresman and Company.