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Psychoanalytic and Humanistic Schools of Thought

Gitali S. Chauhan
2130571

Department of Sociology and Social Work

CHRIST ( Deemed to be University)

PSY 131: Basic Psychological Processes 1

Dr. Hesi Herbert

September 1, 2021
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School of Thoughts

“Psychology has a long past, but only a short history” - Hermann Ebbinghaus. The

centennial birth of modern psychology was celebrated in 1979. It emerged as a separate

discipline in the 19th century and the directions of this new discipline was profoundly influenced

by one man; Wilhelm Wundt. (Schultz, 2013) (NCERT, 2007)

The term ‘school’ refers to a group of psychologists who are associated ideologically.

They work on a common set of problems and share a common theoretical or systematic

orientation. Each school has its own particular approach to human nature using various

techniques. The emergence of the various schools of thought was a result of the new ideas which

were forming in other sciences and general culture. Each school was a type of movement against

the prevailing beliefs of psychology. There are seven schools of thought in psychology.

(Schultz, 2013)

This paper will be covering two schools of thought; Psychoanalytic and Humanistic.

Psychoanalytic School of Thought

Introduction

"Psycho-analysis is my creation; for ten years I was the only person who concerned himself with

it .. . no one can know better than I do what psycho-analysis is" (Freud, 1914). The subject

matter of this school is abnormal behavior and the role of the unconscious, which were neglected

by the previous schools. Two major sources of influence led to the formal founding of

psychoanalysis, one was the early philosophical speculation of the unconscious and the other was

the work of psychopathology. Studies on hysteria, published by Freud and Breuer in the year

1895 is often considered as the formal starting point of psychoanalysis. (Schultz, 2013, )
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Rationale or Reason for Choosing this School

Once I watched a past life regression video by Dr. Weiss which fascinated me to know more

about hypnosis and this treatment method. I have always found Freud’s radical and shocking

theories to be true in terms of human nature, even the complexes. One incident which made me

believe in Freud’s complexes was when I saw my friend’s younger sister scold her dad for taking

out her mom on a coffee date. She said and I quote “ You always take that ‘woman’ to coffee and

never me”. Thus, my interest in this school of thought grew more.

Description

This school owes largely to the contributions of Sigmund Freud. He developed his theory during

his clinical practice. A few of his major contributions were; Three levels of consciousness,

Instincts, Three competitive forces- id, ego, and superego, Stages of psychosexual development,

anxiety, the 5 defense mechanisms, and treatment methods- hypnosis, free association, analysis

of error, and dream analysis. (NCERT, 2007, pg 33)

Three Levels of Consciousness. Freud’s theory consists of the sources and consequences

of emotional conflicts and how people deal with them. In this way, he visualized the human mind

into three levels of consciousness. (CBSE, 2007)

Conscious. First level. It consists of all the feelings, thoughts, emotions, and actions that

we are aware of. (NCERT, 2007)

Preconscious. Second level. The material or information in this has not been actively

suppressed and can be easily brought into conscious awareness. (NCERT, 2007) (Schultz, 2013)
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Unconscious. Third level. It is the reservoir of instinctive or animal drives. (NCERT,

2007)

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Freud’s Three Levels of Mind Information in the levels

Structure of Personality. The primary structural elements of personality are the three

forces; Id, ego, and superego. (NCERT, 2007)

Id. "The id of course knows no judgments of value: no good and evil, no morality"

(Freud, 1933, p. 74). The instinctual life force that energizes Id is called libido. Id seeks

immediate gratification and is unaware of reality. Works on the pleasure principle. (NCERT,

2007)

Superego. Moral branch of mental functioning. Develops in early childhood and helps in

internalizing parental authority. (NCERT, 2007) (Schultz, 2013)

Ego. It represents reason or rationality. Derives its power from the id. Works on the

reality principle. Serves as a mediating agent between the demands of the id and reality and

maintains a balance between the unrealistic demands of the id and the morality of the superego.

(NCERT, 2007) (Schultz, 2013)

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Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Forces at various levels Freud’s components of personality

Stages of Personality Development. Freud claimed that the core aspects of an

individual’s personality are developed at an early stage of life. Thus, he proposed the five-stage

theory of personality also called the psychosexual stages of development. Each stage tends to be

localized in specific bodily zones. (NCERT, 2007) (Schultz, 2013)

Oral Stage. During this stage, a person’s basic feelings about the world are developed.

(NCERT, 2007)

Anal Stage. The child learns to respond to the demands made by parents. This stage

coincides with the toilet training period. This stage establishes the basis of the conflict between

id and ego. (NCERT, 2007) (Schultz, 2013)

Phallic Stage. The child learns the difference between males and females. There are two

complexes involved in this stage, the Oedipus complex for the boy child and the Electra complex

for the girl child. In this stage, the child becomes sexually attracted towards the opposite sex

parent and is fearful of the same-sex parent. Gradually, the sexual feelings fade away and the

child starts identifying themselves with the same-sex parents. (Schultz, 2013)
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Latency Stage. Sexual urges of the child are inactive during this stage and most of the

energy is channeled into achievement-related activities. (NCERT, 2007)

Genital stage. The child attains maturity in psychosexual development. It learns how to

deal with members of the opposite sex in a socially and sexually mature way. (NCERT, 2007)

Table No. 1

Psychosexual stages of development

Defense Mechanisms. It is a method opted by the ego to escape from anxiety by

distorting reality.

Repression. Anxiety-provoking thoughts are totally dismissed by the unconscious.

Projection. People attribute their own traits or the source of anxiety to others.

Reaction Formation. The person defends against anxiety by adopting behaviors opposite

to his/her true feelings.

Rationalization. The person tries to make unreasonable feelings or behaviors seem

reasonable and acceptable. (NCERT, 2007)

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Critical Evidence-Based Evaluation

Criticisms. Freud’s theory grew a lot of criticisms from both the general public and

psychologists. The theories lacked scientific rigor as they were based on case studies and

personal interpretations. The method of data collection seemed to be unsystematic and

disorganized. Freud overlooked female perspectives and experiences. He offered a very negative

view of human nature. The definitions of his key concepts were very vague and ambiguous.

(NCERT, 2007) (Schultz, 2013)

Contributions of Psychoanalysis. Having noted important criticisms of psychoanalysis,

we must ask why psychoanalysis has not only survived but prospered. Certain Freudian concepts

such as the role of unconscious motivation, the importance of childhood experiences in shaping

adult behavior, and the operation of the defense mechanisms have gained immense acceptance

and have been assimilated into mainstream psychology. Even though a group of

psychologists(neo-Freudians) criticized his theories, they still based theirs on his concepts.

Another contribution is that his work led to the gradual loosening of sexual restraint and the

culture has adopted the view that repressing sexual feelings can be harmful. (Schultz, 2013)

Conclusion and Personal Reflection

Despite criticism, Freud's psychoanalysis has become an important force in modern

psychology. My reflection from this research is that even though his concepts may come as

bizarre or shocking, they still make sense in the modern world. Even concepts such as the

complexes that have not been assimilated into mainstream psychology make sense if seen from a

moderate point of view. I have also observed that the concept of complexes does not consider
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homosexuality. Still, no matter what one's evaluation of psychoanalysis is, there is no denying

that Freud and his concepts possessed the attributes of greatness.

Humanistic School of Thought

Introduction

This school of thought mainly developed as an opposite reaction to the psychoanalytic school. It

offered a more optimistic and unique view of human nature. It was the first psychological theory

that gave serious consideration to self-acceptance as a means to achieve emotional healing. This

school largely owes its contribution to Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. (Hoffman, 2013)

Rationale or Reason for Choosing this School

My beliefs and values deeply resonate with this school. I have always believed that all

individuals should work towards achieving their full potential and become the best version of

themselves and it is this what Abraham Maslow calls ‘self-actualization.’ I wanted to know more

about this phenomenon and how to reach this stage. Thus, I opted for this school, hoping that the

research would answer my questions.

Description

Carl Rogers. Known as the founder of client-centered therapy proposed that human

behavior is goal-oriented and worthwhile. He strongly believed that every individual is innately

good and will always choose adaptive and self-actualizing behavior. A few of his major

contributions are; concept of self, fully functioning person, and client-centered therapy. (NCERT,

2007,)
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Concept of Self. Roger developed this theory during his clinical practice by listening to

his patients. The theory assumes that people are constantly engaged in the process of actualizing

their true selves. Two concepts are involved in this theory; ideal self and real self. Ideal self is the

self the person would actually want to be whereas Real self is the actual perception of reality.

Congruence between the ideal self and real self results in happiness and satisfaction whereas

discrepancy or incongruence between them would result in the opposite. (NCERT, 2007)

Fig. 4

Congruence and Ingrouence of Ideal and Real self

Fully Functioning Person. A person who is actively exploring their skills and potential,

is in the process of self-actualization and is experiencing a match between ideal and real self.

They are aware of their innermost feelings and are able to trust their intuitions. (NCERT, 2007)

Client-centered Therapy. Roger recognized the role of social influences. According to

him if the social conditions are positive then self-concept and self-esteem is high. Freedom and

choice are the core aspects of it. The therapist shows unconditional positive regard which refers

to creating a warm, positive, and accepting atmosphere for the client. It allows the client to

reconnect with their disintegrated feelings. (NCERT, 2007)

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Abraham Maslow. Maslow also had an optimistic view of human nature. He believed

that man has the potentialities of love and joy. Instead of looking at what is wrong with people,

he looked at what is right with them? According to him, human beings are free to shape their

lives and self-actualize their potential. His major contributions are Self Actualization and

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. (NCERT, 2007)

Self Actualization. It refers to a person reaching his full potential and becoming the best

version of themselves. (Hoffman, 2013)

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It is a hierarchy of 5 needs. (NCERT, 2007)

Fig. 5

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

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Critical Evidence-based Evaluation

Criticisms. One of the basic criticism was that this view underestimates the human

capacity of being evil. The concepts are not properly defined and seem to be vague. The

individualism encouraged by this school can lead to self-indulgence, selfishness, and an erosion

of moral restraints. Other criticisms include its lack of effectiveness in treating severe mental

health issues. (Anonymous, 2018) (Anonymous, n.d.)

Contributions. The holistic perspective of this school on psychological development and

self-actualization laid the groundwork for the professions like individual and family counseling

(Satir, 1964). Concepts such as self-help, self-esteem, and self-actualization have helped

individuals in spiritual and personal transformation. Presented a new approach to understanding

human nature, new methods of data collection in human behavioral studies, and a broad range of

effective psychotherapy techniques. The values of this school are considered to be responsible

for the creation of various other therapy models that utilize interpersonal skills to maximize one’s

life experience. (Warmoth et al., n.d.)

Conclusion and Personal Reflection

This school understands the true essence of human existence. Researching this school has

helped me in understanding human nature more and in seeing the good in others. It is helping

people like me in knowing themselves, their potentials, and eventually becoming the best version

of themselves.
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References

Schultz, D. (2013). A history of Modern Psychology. Elsevier Science.

Warmoth, A., Resnick, S., & Serlin, l. (n.d.). Contributions of Humanistic

Psychology to Positive Psychology. Contributions of Humanistic Psychology to Positive

Psychology, 0(Division 32 of the American Psychological Association), 16.

NCERT. (2007). Psychology textbook for Class 12. NCERT.

Hoffman, L. (2013, April 03). Humanistic Psychology and self acceptance.

Humanistic Psychology and self acceptance.

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-6806-6_1#citeas

Anonymous, A. (n.d.). Criticisms of Humanistic Theories. Criticisms of

Humanistic

Theories.http://gavs-appsych-personality-cgfa.weebly.com/criticisms-of-the-humanistic-t

heories.html

A. (2018, August 03). Humanistic Psychology (humanism). Humanistic

Psychology (humanism).

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/humanistic-psychology

Kalat, J. W. (2016). Introduction to Psychology. Cengage Learning.

Cate Lyon (2013) A brief introduction to psychoanalytic theory, Psychodynamic

Practice, 19:4, 431-435, DOI: 10.1080/14753634.2013.853480

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