Psychodynamic Persoective

Question 0

Studies included in the psychodynamic perspective.

Answer 0

Freud.

Thigpen + Cleckley.

Question 1

Assumption of the psychodynamic perspective.

Answer 1

Many important influences on behaviour come from a part of the mind individuals have no direct awareness of in the unconscious.

Question 2

1st strength of the psychodynamic perspective.

Answer 2

Allows psychologists to suggest causes for mental disorders.
Eg Freud was able to suggest that Little Hans’ phobia of horses was because he was unconsciously going through the phallic stage of psychosexual development which is characterised by experiencing the Oedipus Complex.

Question 3

2nd strength of the psychodynamic perspective.

Answer 3

It allows psychologists to suggest why individuals behave in ways they cannot easily explain or understand.
Eg Eve White was referred to Thigpen and Cleckley because she was suffering from severe headaches and unexplained blackouts.

Question 4

1st weakness of the psychodynamic perspective.

Answer 4

Methodology used is not always objective and is therefore open bias.
Eg Thigpen and Cleckley have been criticised for becoming too involved in the participant and thus misinterpreting some of her behaviour to support their theory of MPD.

Question 5

2nd weakness of the psychodynamic perspective.

Answer 5

Ethical issues.
Eg Little Hans’ father could have caused the boy a lot of distress by continually asking him about his fears, phobias, dreams and fantasies.
Hans was also deceived because he did not know that his data was being used to support Freud’s theory on psychosexual development.