Question

Please compare and contrast two schools of thought in psychology and discuss how each school would view or describe depression.

Answer 1

The two school of thoughts -

Structuralism - This is first school of thought in psychology. It has introspective approach, it breaks down the mental processes into the basic components. They analyze the human mind in this way. Structuralism would break down depression into causes, what are the underlying factors in depression, which thought causes depresion, is it again related to any person or any event. What was patinet doing at that time? During first depression episode? As and forth it will break down these series of thoughts and all other factors responsible for depression.

Psycholoanalytic school of thought - This thought created a massive wave in psychology. This school of thought introduced concept such as id, ego, consciouss in more detail. This school of thoughts divides human mind into three layers and decribes it like an iceberg, only 1/4th can be seen and 3/4th in unseen. Hence 1/4th part is conscious and 3/4th is subconscious and unconscious. It says that main causes of depression are due to biological factors. Freud also stated that depression can be due to loss of any person or due to any major event, there is huge sadness which is underlying and person acts normal in the world. Duen to all these factors he/she faces depression. Frud says that actual loss of loved ones) and symbolic loss ( loss of job) both ca cause depression. Due to excessive super ego there can be depression