Psychodynamic Approach (A03)

Question 1

Strengths

Answer 1

• RWA: Introduction of Psychotherapy
  
  • First attempt of treating mental disorders psychologically rather than physically by bringing supressed emotions into the conscious mind so it can be discussed
• Explanatory Power
  
  • Has positively influenced the progression of psychology and explains personality development as well as the links between childhood and later development

Question 2

Psychotherapy Counterpoint

Answer 2

Regarded as harmful and inappropriate
- Those suffering with schizophrenia suffer from paranoia and delusional thinking, losing grip on reality and therefore unable to articulate their thoughts in the way needed for psychoanalysis

Question 3

Limitation

Answer 3

Untestable Concepts
- Popper suggests that the approach can’t be falsified, is not open for empirical testing and many of the concepts are said to occur at an unconscious level
Little Hans
- Ungeneralisable