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Some positive aspects of the Freudian or psychoanalytic perspective are
that it:
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is a complete theory of personality and explains behaviour
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emphasizes the role of the unconscious
mind and early childhood experiences
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emphasizes dynamic
nature of behaviour
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emphasizes defense mechanisms of ego and stimulated further
theoretical/research work in personality
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resulted in a serious
interest in psychological treatment of mental disorders.
There is some recent research evidence
supporting and extending various aspects of Freud's theory, e.g.,
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The unconscious part of mind can perceive things
without conscious awareness (Erdelyi, 1974)
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Defense mechanisms occur e.g. repression
appears to occur (Weinberger & Davidson, 1994)
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Anal characteristics are intercorrelated.
And oral
characteristics are intercorrelated (Weston, 1990)
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Catharsis is helpful for physical/psychological
health (Erdelyi, 1994)
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Lab studies have demonstrated transference
(Andersen & Baum, 1994)
However there are some negative aspects of this
perspective:
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concepts seem poorly designed: “psychic energy”
what is it? What units is it measured in?
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lack of scientific proof
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role of environment overlooked
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case-study method (used neurotic wealthy
European females)
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over-emphasis on sexual drive
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pessimistic psychic determinism - is there no free will?
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time-consuming and expensive therapy
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low cure rate
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