Assignment task: Psychoanalytic Theorists and Theories
"Only a fuzzy boundary separates interpreting a theory versus revising it." - Funder (2019, p. 397)
A theory is basically an idea about how something works or occurs; it is not proof. Although a personality theory may explain certain aspects of a situation or behavior, others who have different ideas may still question the theory.
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality is case in point. He believed that most of our thoughts, feelings, and memories-what influences us-occurs below consciousness. One of the problems with Freud's theory was the difficulty of testing his ideas. For this reason, there were theorists who separated themselves from Freud's work. Others drew from aspects of Freud's theory of psychoanalysis but developed their own theories.
For this Discussion, you will review the personality theories of Freud, along with those of Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, Alfred Adler, and Karen Horney. Then you will choose one theorist as the focus of your Discussion post.
To Prepare:
Review Chapters 9 and 10 in the course text, as well as the resource "Psychoanalytic Theorists," and consider each of the following theorist's contributions to personality theory:
- Freud
- Jung
- Erikson
- Adler
- Horney
Thinking about Freud, Jung, Erikson, Adler, and Horney, consider the theorist that you view as having the most practical or useful ideas for understanding the self, others, and daily interactions.
Think of examples that would help explain your choice.
Select one of the five theorists as the subject of your Discussion post. In addition to contributions to the field, consider the strengths and limitations of this individual's personality theory.
Post a response that includes the following:
Identify your selected theorist by placing their name in the first line of your post.
Explain how your selected theorist has provided the most practical or useful ideas for understanding of one of the following: self, others, or daily interactions. Need Assignment Help?
Briefly describe one specific concept or idea developed by the theorist that is particularly helpful in explaining one of the focus areas (i.e., self, others, or daily interactions) and your reasoning.
Conclude by noting one strength and one limitation of viewing personality from your selected theorist's perspective.
You must complete this week's Skill Building Activity before you will be able to participate in the required Discussion for this week. Attempting to access the Discussion Forum before completion of the Skill Building Activity will result in an error message.
Note: Support your post(s) with evidence from at least one Learning Resource. Be sure to identify what source(s) you used, both in the body of your post(s) and with a reference at the end of your post(s).
Respond to at least one of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
Ask a probing question and provide insight into how you would answer your question and why.
Expand on your colleague's posting by offering a new perspective or insight.
Agree with a colleague and offer additional (new) supporting information for consideration.
Disagree with a colleague by respectfully discussing and supporting a different perspective.
Note: Support your post(s) with evidence from at least one Learning Resource. Be sure to identify what source(s) you used, both in the body of your post(s) and with a reference at the end of your post(s).