evaluation of psychodynamic approach

Question 1

evaluation points of psychodynamic approach

Answer 1

• real world application of psychoanalysis
• supporting research from Little Hans
• weakness from falsification
• weakness from determinism

Question 2

real world application of psychodynamic approach from psychoanalysis

Answer 2

• Freud introduced psychoanalysis, a new form of therapy using techniques like dream analysis and hypnosis to access the unconscious mind.
• This approach was the first to highlight psychological (not just biological) treatments for mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
• Research shows psychoanalysis can lead to long-lasting symptom improvement, supporting its external validity.
• Therefore its principles can be effectively applied in treatment.
• However, psychoanalysis demands significant effort from patients, who must actively reflect on their problems—unlike drug therapies.
• It has also been criticised as unsuitable and potentially harmful for individuals with severe disorders like schizophrenia.

Question 3

supporting research for psychodynamic approach from Little Hans

Answer 3

• Freud, 1909
• 5 year old Hans developed phobia of horses after seeing one pulling a carriage that fell over and kicked his feet in the air
• Hans was terrified and thought the horse was dead
• Freud concluded that he was experiencing Oedipus complex
• he displaced his fear of father onto the horse as the horse’s blinkers reminded him of father’s glasses and its black mouth reminded him of father’s moustache
• so horses were representation of Hans’ unconscious fear of castration

Question 4

weakness of psychodynamic approach from falsification

Answer 4

• Popper argued that the psychodynamic approach lacks falsifiability, a key feature of scientific theories.
• It cannot be empirically tested or disproven, making it unscientific by Popper’s standards.
• Core concepts like the id, Oedipus complex, and defence mechanisms are unconscious and cannot be directly observed or measured.
• These ideas are only inferred from behaviour or reported experiences, not objectively tested.
• As a result, Popper labelled the approach a pseudoscience (a ‘fake’ science).
• This makes the psychodynamic approach less scientifically credible compared to other approaches.

Question 5

weakness of psychodynamic approach from determinism

Answer 5

• The psychodynamic approach is based on psychic determinism, meaning behaviour is driven by unconscious forces beyond our control.
• Concepts like defence mechanisms and conflicts between the id, ego, and superego support this view.
• This denies the existence of free will, implying people may not be fully responsible for their actions.
• Such a view conflicts with legal principles that hold individuals morally and legally accountable.
• It may lead to ethical concerns, as offenders could avoid responsibility, negatively impacting victims.
• While it may offer valid insights into behaviour, the approach may be socially and ethically problematic.