Question

How can psychodynamic personality theories explain individual personality characteristics? Which theory do you believe explains these characteristics best? Why?

Answer 1

Personality has been described as a set of relatively permanent characteristics that all individuals possess. These can be observed as a part of their behaviour as well. The psychodynamic theory aims at explaining personality in terms of interaction of various components. Freud has explained personality in terms of the interaction between the various structures that encompass personality including the id, ego and superego. Id relies on immediate gratification and comprises of the irrational impulses (e.g. animalistic instincts) that we possess. The ego on the other hand provides a reality check to the id and ensures that decision making is done using the rational component and incorporates the time and space into mind before engaging in gratification. The superego is responsible for the moral policing, including the use of conscience for discriminating between the right and wrong while indulging in any kind of behaviour. The personality is therefore described mostly as being out of an individual’s control if we rely on this theory to understand how people function. This is because of the fact that psychodynamic theory tends to explain most behaviour and conflicts in an individual as a culmination of their unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is out of one’s awareness & therefore less likely to be controlled. The interaction between these structures cannot be the only means to explain behaviour mostly because the sense of agency that humans as an advanced species possess is lost in this rationale. Therefore, another lens to understand personality is the humanistic approach. This provides humans with the agency to control their own behaviour, choices and approach towards achievement. It tends to emphasize personal growth, resilience (one’s subjective ability to bounce back post challenges or obstacles in the path to success) and achievement of the human potential. It also further explains self actualization and every individual’s unique journey towards achieving their maximum potential. Finding meaning in one’s life, focusing on purpose are aspects that are stressed. Since these are aspects that are within the conscious control of human potential, it is a more reliable manner of looking at personality and it’s dynamics.