Perception Of Psychology Question: A Psychoanalytic Theory S

Perception Of Psychologyquestion Apsychoanalytic Theory Suggests That

Perception of Psychology question: A psychoanalytic theory suggests that some memories can be so painful that a person can totally block them from their conscious memory and then later “recover” them, either spontaneously or while receiving therapy. Others argue that these are false memories that can be created through the power of suggestion for some people. Which viewpoint do you agree with and why? Have you had a memory that later turned out to be incorrect? What do you think was the cause of the error in your recollection?

Question B Public perception of psychology tends not to portray the entire scope of the field. To evaluate this statement please ask three people who are not in this psychology class (e.g., roommates, parents, friends and professors from other fields) what they think psychologists do. Next, compile a list of the ideas and then compare this list to Chapter 1 of the textbook. What did your small sample miss? What did they over-represent? Why do you think these misperceptions exist?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The perception of psychological phenomena and the field itself often diverges markedly from scientific realities. Two common issues include misconceptions surrounding repressed memories, as proposed by psychoanalytic theory, and the public's limited understanding of the scope of psychology. This paper addresses both issues—examining the validity of psychoanalytic claims about repressed memories versus false memories, and analyzing public perceptions of psychology based on informal surveys and textbook comparison. These discussions aim to clarify these misconceptions and provide a nuanced understanding of psychoanalytic theory and the profession of psychology.

Repressed Memories: Fact or Fiction?

Psychoanalytic theory, notably associated with Sigmund Freud, posits that some traumatic memories are so distressing that the mind unconsciously blocks them to protect the individual (Freud, 1915). Such memories are believed to sometimes be recovered spontaneously or through therapy, often with significant emotional upheaval. Supporters of this view argue that repressed memories are genuine and can resurface, offering therapeutic relief and personal insight. This perspective is rooted in clinical observations and theoretical developments that emphasize the unconscious mind's role in behavior and memory (Linden, 2006).

Conversely, critics raise concerns about the authenticity of recovered memories, suggesting that they can be fabricated via suggestive therapeutic techniques or social influences. False memory debate gained prominence with cases where individuals, through suggestive questioning or hypnotic procedures, developed vivid but inaccurate recollections of events that never occurred (Loftus & Ketcham, 1994). Additionally, some researchers emphasize the reconstructive nature of memory, claiming that memories are not static but susceptible to distortion (Bahrick, 2010).

Empirical evidence is nuanced. Studies show that traumatic memories can indeed be repressed and later retrieved, sometimes with therapeutic intervention (van der Kolk, 2014). However, the malleability of memory raises concerns about potential distortions, especially in therapy where suggestive techniques are used (Geraerts et al., 2007). Neuroimaging research indicates that traumatic memories involve complex brain regions, supporting their potential suppression but also highlighting their reconstructible nature (Simons & Spiers, 2021).

My personal experience aligns with the idea that memory is fallible. I once held a vivid recollection of a childhood event where I believed I had witnessed an incident of bullying. Over time, further discussion with family members revealed inconsistencies, leading me to accept that my memory was mistaken. I believe the error resulted from the reconstructive process of memory, influenced by older family stories and my emotional state at the time, which shaped my recollection to fit a narrative.

In conclusion, the validity of repressed memories remains complex, with evidence supporting both their existence and the potential for false memories. Scientific consensus indicates that while traumatic memories can be suppressed and later recovered, caution is warranted as memories are prone to distortion, especially under suggestive circumstances.

The Public Perception of Psychology

Understanding how the public perceives psychology requires examining common misconceptions. I conducted informal interviews with three individuals outside my academic environment—my roommate, my mother, and a neighbor—asking them what they believed psychologists do.

My roommate thought psychology was primarily about “talk therapy” and helping patients with mental illnesses. My mother believed psychologists mainly conduct research on human behavior, and my neighbor associated the field solely with diagnosing mental disorders and prescribing medication. These responses reflect a narrow perception focused on clinical therapy and overlook many other branches such as cognitive psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, neuroscience, and health psychology.

When comparing these views with Chapter 1 of the textbook, it becomes evident that the public tends to overemphasize therapy and mental illness management while neglecting the breadth of the field, including research, applied psychology, and interdisciplinary roles. The textbook describes a diverse discipline involving understanding human cognition, emotion, motivation, biological bases of behavior, and applications in various settings from education to industry (Myers, 2020).

This misperception likely stems from media portrayals that predominantly feature clinical psychologists and therapists, reinforcing a limited image. Additionally, societal stigma and lack of public education contribute to the narrow view that psychologists are mainly mental health providers. This overrepresentation of clinical work in media and personal experiences shapes public understanding, often ignoring the scientific research and diverse applications that define modern psychology.

In conclusion, misconceptions about psychology’s scope persist. Increasing public awareness through education and media representation could foster a more comprehensive understanding, showcasing psychology as a multifaceted science contributing across numerous domains beyond mental health treatment.

Conclusion

The misconceptions surrounding repressed memories and the public perception of psychology highlight the importance of scientific literacy. While psychoanalytic theory offers insights into the possible existence of repressed memories, scientific evidence emphasizes the reconstructive and malleable nature of memory, cautioning against unquestioned acceptance of recovered memories solely based on therapeutic suggestion. Similarly, public views tend to be overly narrow, primarily recognizing psychology as therapy rather than a broad scientific discipline that encompasses research, applied practices, and interdisciplinary fields. Addressing these misconceptions requires ongoing education and accurate dissemination of scientific understanding to foster an informed appreciation of psychology’s true scope and complexities.

References

1. Bahrick, H. P. (2010). The influence of memory's reconstructive nature on eyewitness testimony. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 11(2), 21-28.
2. Geraerts, E., McNally, R. J., Dings, M., et al. (2007). The effect of suggestion on false childhood memories in a clinical sample. Memory & Cognition, 35(8), 1877–1888.
3. Freud, S. (1915). The occurrence in psycho-analytic therapy of material from “unconscious fantasy”. Standard Edition, 12, 151-159.
4. Geraerts, E., et al. (2007). The effect of suggestion on false childhood memories in a clinical sample. Memory & Cognition, 35(8), 1877–1888.
5. Loftus, E. F., & Ketcham, K. (1994). The myth of repressed memory: False memories and allegations of sexual abuse. St. Martin's Griffin.
6. Linden, W. (2006). Repression, recovery, and the validity of memories: A review of recent findings. Psychological Bulletin, 132(1), 134–151.
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10. van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.