Evaluation of psychodynamic model of abnormality

Question 1

Usefulness

Answer 1

Psychodynamic model provides believable explanations for causes of abnormality e.g childhood traumas. Has explanatory power & gives people insight into their conditions; psychodynamic therapies seen as successful for many.
Freud’s theory been influential- revolutionary focus on psychology as cause of abnormal behaviour- his belief that disorders such as hysteria & phobias could be caused by psychological traumas/conflicts changed thinking at time that abnormality was caused by medical/ other causes like evil spirits.

Question 2

Psychology as a science

Answer 2

Criticised as unscientific in its analysis of human behaviour.
Concepts of Freud’s theory subjective- difficult to test scientifically.
Psychoanalysis depends heavily on therapists interpretation of what client reports. Freud claimed if client accepted interpretation- was probably correct.
However if client rejected interpretation may simply be client’s unconscious mind rejecting an unacceptable (but accurate) interpretation.

Question 3

Weakness of psychoanalysis treatment

Answer 3

Time consuming & expensive, typically involves 2 session per week for around a year.

Question 4

Determinism vs Free will

Answer 4

Very determinist approach- suffering childhood trauma will lead to abnormal behaviour in adulthood- emphasises the way our current feelings & motives can be determined by our unconscious mind.
Ignores influence of genes (biology) reward (behaviourism) and thinking patterns (cognitive approach).
However approach also offers possibility of free will, we gain some insight into unconscious influences through dreams, ‘slips’ of tongue and therapist interactions. Once aware of these influences we can make conscious decisions to act in particular way (free will).