Psychodynamic Approach AO3

Question 1

✅ How has the psychodynamic approach influenced psychology?

Answer 1

The psychodynamic approach has had a significant impact on psychology, providing explanations for a wide range of phenomena, including personality development, abnormal behaviour, moral development, and gender. Freud’s theories have shaped both psychology as a discipline and the way mental health is understood and treated, highlighting the approach’s value in explaining human behaviour.

Question 2

✅ How has the psychodynamic approach contributed to real-world applications?

Answer 2

The psychodynamic approach led to the development of psychoanalysis, a form of therapy designed to access the unconscious mind. Psychoanalysis has been used to treat individuals with mental health issues, particularly those with mild neuroses. Its success in treating some individuals suggests that the unconscious mind plays a role in human thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Question 3

❌ What is a major methodological limitation of the psychodynamic approach?

Answer 3

The psychodynamic approach relies heavily on case studies, such as Little Hans, which are intensive studies of single individuals. This means the findings are highly subjective and cannot be generalized to the wider population, limiting the approach’s usefulness in explaining human behaviour.

Question 4

❌ Why is the psychodynamic approach considered deterministic?

Answer 4

The psychodynamic approach is deterministic because it claims all human behaviour is driven by unconscious conflicts beyond an individual’s control. This view denies the concept of free will, suggesting people are not responsible for their actions, which contradicts the commonly held belief in personal accountability.