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Psychodynamic Theories

Student Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Date:

Psychology Theories Template: Psychodynamic Theories

Theory: Psychoanalysis

Contributors:

Sigmund Freud: Considered the founder of psychoanalysis, Freud developed many key concepts and techniques associated with this theory (Weiten, 2021).

Carl Jung: A student of Freud who later developed his version of psychoanalysis, emphasizing the collective unconscious and archetypes.

Alfred Adler: Another early follower of Freud who diverged from Freud's emphasis on sexual instincts and instead focused on the drive for power and superiority.

Emphasis on Nature/Nurture:

Emphasizes both nature and nurture. It recognizes the influence of biological drives and instincts (nature) as well as the impact of early experiences and socialization (nurture) on personality development (Weiten, 2021).

Primary Characteristics/Features:

Subconscious: Accentuates the influence of the subconscious in dictating ideas, reactions, and actions.

Psychic Determinism: Suggests that private interests and clashes profoundly condition human conduct.

Psychosexual Development: Focuses on the series of stages in childhood where the child's pleasure-seeking energies are focused on different erogenous zones.

Defense Mechanisms: Describes the ego's protective strategies to deal with anxiety arising from conflicts between the id, ego, and superego (Grof, 2019).

Dream Analysis: Highlights the interpretation of dreams to gain insight into unconscious desires and conflicts.

Strengths:

Offers a comprehensive understanding of the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.

Recognizes the role of early childhood experiences in shaping personality.

Introduced the concept of defense mechanisms, providing insights into coping strategies.

It can be applied in therapeutic settings to help individuals gain insight and resolve psychological conflicts.

Weaknesses:

Lacks empirical evidence and relies heavily on subjective interpretations.

Overemphasis on early childhood experiences and sexuality, neglecting other factors influencing development.

Gender and cultural biases in Freud's original theories.

Limited applicability to non-Western cultures and diverse populations.

Notes:

Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved to address criticisms and incorporate empirical research.

Psychodynamic theories continue to influence psychotherapy, psychopathology, and personality research.

Contemporary research explores topics like attachment theory, unconscious biases, and the impact of early relationships on later development.

References

Weiten, W. (2021).  Psychology: Themes and variations. Cengage Learning.

Grof, S. (2019).  Psychology of the future: Lessons from modern consciousness research. State University of New York Press.

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Students Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Date:

Piaget is renowned for his influential work on mental progression. He postulated a staged approach of intellectual elevation, accentuating the part of genetic evolution and interplay with the setting in forming cognitive procedures.

Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of cognitive maturation foregrounds the significance of social relations and cultural context in advancing mental acuity. He underscored the necessity of discourse and communal interaction in forming cerebral faculties.

Fundamental Tenets and Concepts:

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development:

Sensorimotor stage: Emphasizes the development of object permanence and the coordination of sensory experiences with motor actions (Sanghvi, 2020).

Preoperational stage: Focuses on symbolic representation and the development of language and egocentrism.

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory:

Varying from straightforward to the most intricate, these tasks can be accomplished efficiently and swiftly. In addition, it may contain puzzles and complications that bring out hidden skills and capabilities.

Scaffolding: Describes the support provided by a more competent individual to facilitate a learner's development (McLeod, 2020).

Strengths:

Cognitive theories provide valuable insights into the internal mental processes underlying human cognition.

They emphasize the role of active engagement, problem-solving, and information processing in learning and development.

Weaknesses:

Some cognitive theories have been criticized for their stage-like models, suggesting that development may not be as rigidly structured as proposed.

Critics argue that these theories may not adequately account for individual and cultural differences in cognitive development (Sanghvi, 2020).

Cognitive theories often place less emphasis on emotional and social factors that can influence cognition.

References

Sanghvi, P. (2020). Piaget's theory of cognitive development: a review.  Indian Journal of Mental Health,  7(2), 90-96.

McLeod, S. (2020). Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory.

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Students Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Date:

Cognitive Development Theory:

Contributors

Jean Piaget: Considered the founder of cognitive development theory. His revolutionary studies and remarks concerning youth's intellectual capacities significantly impacted the evolution of this notion (Klahr & Wallace, 2022).

Lev Vygotsky: Made considerable contributions to the intellectual expansion theory field, emphasizing the part of social and cultural elements in academic advancement.

Nature vs. Nurture

Cognitive development theory emphasizes both nature and nurture. It recognizes the interaction between innate biological factors and environmental influences in shaping cognitive development (Klahr & Wallace, 2022).

Primary Characteristics

Key tenets: Children actively construct knowledge through their experiences and interactions with the environment.

Concepts: Stages of cognitive development (sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational), assimilation and accommodation, object permanence, conservation, and egocentrism (Klahr & Wallace, 2022).

Emphasizes cognitive changes that occur from infancy through adolescence.

Strengths

Provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how children's thinking evolves.

Highlights the active role of the child in constructing knowledge and the importance of interactions with the environment (Klahr & Wallace, 2022).

Has influenced educational practices and curriculum development.

Weaknesses

The theory's stage-based approach has been criticized for oversimplifying the complexity of cognitive development.

Some argue that it may not adequately consider cultural variations in cognitive development.

Piaget's research has faced challenges regarding the age ranges and sequencing of cognitive milestones.

Attachment Theory:

Contributors

John Bowlby: Developed attachment theory based on his observations of the bond between infants and their primary caregivers.

Mary Ainsworth: Conducted the famous "strange situation" experiment, which expanded our understanding of attachment patterns.

Nature vs. Nurture

Attachment theory emphasizes the interaction between nature and nurture. It suggests that biological predispositions interact with early caregiving experiences to shape attachment styles (Johnson, 2019).

Primary Characteristics

Fundamental tenets: Attachment is a biologically driven need for infants to seek proximity and safety from their caregivers.

Concepts: Secure attachment, insecure attachment (avoidant, ambivalent/resistant, disorganized), internal working models, and sensitive caregiving.

Emphasizes the importance of early relationships and their influence on emotional and social development.

Strengths

Provides a valuable framework for understanding the significance of early relationships in human development.

Has practical implications for interventions and treatments to promote healthy attachment relationships (Johnson, 2019).

Weaknesses

Critics argue that the theory may oversimplify complex interactions between infants and caregivers.

Attachment patterns may be influenced by multiple factors beyond the caregiver-child relationship.

References

Klahr, D., & Wallace, J. G. (2022).  Cognitive development: An information-processing view. Routledge.

Johnson, S. M. (2019). Attachment theory.  Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy, 169-177.

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Students Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Date:

Theory: Social Cognitive Theory

Contributors

Albert Bandura is the primary contributor to Social Cognitive Theory. His research and publications have greatly influenced the development and understanding of this theory (Abdullah, 2019).

Nature vs. Nurture:

Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes the interplay between nature and nurture. While it acknowledges the role of genetic and biological factors, it significantly emphasizes environmental influences, learning, and social interactions (Abdullah, 2019).

Characteristics/Key Tenets

Observational Learning: Individuals acquire knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes by observing and imitating others.

Reciprocal Determinism: Behavior, personal factors (thoughts, beliefs, and emotions), and the environment interact and influence each other bidirectionally.

Self-Efficacy: People's beliefs in their abilities and competence to succeed in specific situations impact their motivation and behavior (Abdullah, 2019).

Triadic Reciprocal Causation: Behavior is influenced by the dynamic interplay between personal factors, environmental factors, and cognitive processes.

Cognitive Processes: Cognitive Social Theory underscores the impact of mental operations, for instance, concentration, recollection, and rationalization, on training and performance.

Vicarious Reinforcement and Punishment: Watching others rewarded or criticized for specific actions raises a person's probability of participating in similar activities.

Period of Life Emphasized: Cognitive Social Theory applies to various periods of life, focusing on the influence of observational learning and cognitive processes throughout development (Abdullah, 2019). However, it particularly highlights early childhood experiences' importance and social modeling's impact during this period.

Strengths

Comprehensive Perspective: Social Cognitive Theory provides a comprehensive framework that integrates cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors in explaining human behavior and development (Beauchamp, 2019).

Practical Applications: The notion has real connections in circumstances such as schooling, healing, and behavior modification programs.

Focus on Self-Efficacy: Social Cognitive Theory accentuates the necessity of people's faith in their aptitudes, bringing out the role of self-assurance in drive and success.

Weaknesses

Limited Emphasis on Biological Factors: Cognitive Social Theory puts a lower priority on natural anatomical elements and innate temperament, which can significantly impact behavior and progress (Beauchamp, 2019).

Simplistic View of Behavior: Critics argue that the theory oversimplifies the complexity of human behavior by primarily focusing on learning through observation and imitation.

References

Abdullah, S. M. (2019). Similarity Artikel: Social Cognitive Theory: A Bandura Thought Review published in 1982-2012.  Journal Psikodimensia,  18(1), 85-100.

Beauchamp, M. R., Crawford, K. L., & Jackson, B. (2019). Social cognitive theory and physical activity: Mechanisms of behavior change, critique, and legacy.  Psychology of Sport and Exercise,  42, 110-117.

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Students Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Date

Theory: Behaviorism

Contributors

John B. Watson: Considered the founder of behaviorism, Watson emphasized the study of observable behavior and rejected the focus on subjective experiences.

B.F. Skinner: Augmented on Watson's thoughts and devised the concept of operant conditioning, which focused on the influence of aftermaths in forming habits.

Ivan Pavlov: Despite primarily being known for his pioneering experiments with canines, Pavlov's work served to establish the basic principles of linking indicators and reactions to affect behaviors.

Nature/Nurture Emphasis

Nurture (environment)

Key Tenets and Concepts

Focus on Observable Behavior: Behaviorism emphasizes the study of external, observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes or subjective experiences.

Stimulus-Response Associations: Behavior is seen through learning by associating specific stimuli and corresponding responses (Bosnjak et al., 2020).

Emphasis on Learning: Behaviorism emphasizes the role of learning in developing and modifying behavior (Bosnjak et al., 2020). It suggests that behaviors are acquired through conditioning processes rather than being innate or instinctual.

Primary Period of Life Emphasized

Behaviorist theories focus on behavior across the lifespan, from infancy to adulthood.

Strengths of Behaviorism

Scientific Approach: Behaviorism emphasizes objective and measurable behaviors, making it amenable to scientific study.

Practical Applications: Behaviorist principles have been successfully applied in various fields, such as education, therapy, and behavior modification (Bosnjak et al., 2020).

Emphasis on Environmental Factors: Behaviorism highlights the role of the environment in shaping behavior, emphasizing the potential for behavior change through modifying environmental conditions (Ajzen, 2020).

Weaknesses of Behaviorism

Neglect of Cognitive Processes: Behaviorism overlooks the influence of internal mental processes, cognition, and subjective experiences, which are now crucial in understanding human behavior (Ajzen, 2020).

Limited Scope: By limiting its attention to perceptible behavior, behaviorism may not capture intricate human encounters, passions, and inner conditions (Bosnjak et al., 2020).

Lack of Individual Differences: Behaviorist beliefs pass by the significance of singular diversities in demeanor, such as individuality qualities, which can impact how persons respond to ecological stimulants.

References

Bosnjak, M., Ajzen, I., & Schmidt, P. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Selected recent advances and applications.  Europe's Journal of Psychology,  16(3), 352.

Ajzen, I. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions.  Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies,  2(4), 314-324.

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Students Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Date

Introduction

Gender theories in psychology provide valuable frameworks for understanding the development and impact of gender identities and roles. This essay will focus on crucial gender theories, their contributors, the emphasis on nature or nurture, their primary characteristics, and their strengths and weaknesses.

Social Cognitive Theory of Gender

Contributor: Albert Bandura

Nature/Nurture Emphasis: Both

Characteristics

Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory of Gender posits that social learning processes influence gender development. It emphasizes the role of observational learning, reinforcement, and self-efficacy beliefs in shaping gender identity and behavior (Leaper, 2023). The theory suggests that individuals acquire gender-related knowledge and behaviors through observing and imitating others and that social agents reinforce or punish these accepted behaviors. Period Emphasized: Childhood and Adolescence.

Strengths

The theory highlights the social context of gender development and the importance of role models and social reinforcement. It recognizes the role of both nature and nurture in shaping gender identities and behaviors.

Weaknesses

The theory does not fully account for the biological influences on gender development, such as hormonal and genetic factors (Leaper, 2023). It also does not adequately address the experiences of individuals who do not fit within traditional binary gender categories.

Gender Schema Theory

Contributor: Sandra Bem

Nature/Nurture Emphasis: Both

Characteristics

Gender Schema Theory proposes that individuals develop cognitive frameworks or schemas that organize their understanding of gender. These schemas are shaped by societal and cultural influences (Kollmayer, 2018). The hypothesis declares that people consciously process and comprehend gender-relevant details, which impacts their conception, recollection, and activity. It accentuates the role of mental activities in gender progress and the influences of gender patterns on people's self-idea and social conduct.

Period Emphasized: Childhood and Beyond.

Strengths

The theory highlights the active role of individuals in constructing their gender identities and behaviors. It provides a framework for understanding how societal and cultural influences shape gender-related cognitions and behaviors.

Weaknesses

The theory does not fully address the biological aspects of gender development. It may overlook the complex interplay between biology and sociocultural factors in shaping gender identities.

Conclusion

Gender theories in psychology offer valuable perspectives on the development and impact of gender identities and roles. The Social Cognitive Theory of Gender highlights the social learning processes involved, while Gender Schema Theory emphasizes the cognitive aspects of gender development. Intersectionality Theory recognizes the interconnections between gender and other social categories.

References

Leaper, C. (2023). Gender and social-cognitive development.

Kollmayer, M., Schober, B., & Spiel, C. (2018). Gender stereotypes in education: Development, consequences, and interventions.  European Journal of Developmental Psychology,  15(4), 361-377.

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Students Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Date

Introduction

Psychology is a discipline that aims to explore the multifaceted and intricate relationship between people and their surroundings. Various models of understanding have been proposed through research and study, each delivering distinctive views on the complex bond between the psyche and environment. This article will examine two noteworthy psychological theory genres: system concepts and biopsychosocial models. These approaches offer efficacious human evolution, actions, and mental health frameworks.

Systems Theories

Systems or ecological theories emphasize the interconnectedness and dynamic interactions between individuals and their environments. One prominent systems theory is Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory. Conceived by Urie Bronfenbrenner, this conception underscores the impact of environmental contexts on a single person's evolution (Evans et al., 2020). The primary sections of this idea are the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory accentuates the interplay between heredity and habitat. It reflects that innate idiosyncrasies and external stimuli shape an individual's maturation. This concept emphasizes the atmosphere amid varied life stages, including early life, prepubescence, and teenage years (Crawford, 2020). The rewards of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory lie in its holistic viewpoint and nod to the multifaceted nature of human upbringing. It identifies the criticality of different surroundings, including family, learning establishment, and population, in creating people. In any case, an impediment to this hypothesis is that it does not clearly depict how specific qualities and biological factors interface with ecological frameworks.

Biopsychosocial Theories

Biopsychosocial perspectives fuse physical, mental, and societal angles to comprehend human conduct and emotional wellness. A prominent biopsychosocial hypothesis is the diathesis-pressure model. Conceived by analysts Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman, this hypothesis suggests that psychological instability issues emerge from a collaboration between hereditary susceptibilities (diathesis) and ecological pressure points (Woods, 2019).

The diathesis-stress model spotlights the intertwinement between heredity and environment. It perceives that people may possess definite genetic susceptibilities or partialities to some circumstances, yet the maturation of those circumstances likewise depends on the scene of pressure in the habitat (Woods, 2019). This theory does not specify a particular stage of life. Still, it can be relevant to different locations since it scrutinizes the evolution of mental health disorders over the entire life span.

The robustness of the diathesis-stress model stems from its inclusive strategy, taking into account multiple contributors to psychological well-being. Giving credence to biological and external components, this hypothesis furnishes a broader perception of psychological illnesses (Hunt, 2022). On the other hand, a downside of this idea is the test of precisely ascertaining the cutoff where hereditary susceptibilities mix with ecological anxieties to bring about certain afflictions.

Conclusion

Frameworks such as Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and the diathesis-stress model have become key psychological features. These theories call our attention to the intricate bond between humans and their environments and acknowledge the role of both heredity and atmosphere. Systems theories concentrate on the surroundings affecting people, whereas biopsychosocial approaches integrate biological, psychological, and social components to comprehend and explain our conduct and mental state. Examining the benefits and shortcomings of these theories can grant psychologists essential knowledge into human evolution, behavior, and psychological health, eventually resulting in more thorough methods to comprehend and nurture mental health.

References

Evans, O. G. (2020). Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory.

Crawford, M. (2020). Ecological Systems theory: Exploring the development of the theoretical framework as con-ceived by Bronfenbrenner.  J Pub Health Issue Pract,  4(2), 170.

Woods, S. B. (2019). Biopsychosocial theories.

Hunt, A., John-Smith, S., & Abed, R. (2022). The biopsychosocial model advanced by evolutionary theory.

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Students Name: Turissa Keys

University: Walden University

Professor: Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Course: Themes and Theories of Psychology

Date

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