Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion Read Chapt 455834 ✓ Solved

Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion Read Chapters 1 Through 6

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read chapters 1 through 6 of the textbook and the required articles listed with the theorist assigned to you for the discussion. For your initial post, you will examine the contributions of a theorist who was instrumental in developing the psychoanalytic theoretical approach based on the first letter of your last name. Please see below for your assigned theorist. Freudians (Sigmund Freud): last names beginning with A through C: Hoffman, L. (2010). One hundred years after Sigmund Freud’s lectures in America: towards an integration of psychoanalytic theories and techniques within psychiatry. History of Psychiatry, 21(4). doi: 10.1177/X retrieved from the Sage Journals database. The full-text version of this article can be accessed through the Sage Journal database in the Ashford University Library. Szaluta, J. (2014). Sigmund Freud's literary ego ideals. Journal of Psychohistory, 41(4). Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The psychoanalytic theoretical approach, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, has significantly shaped modern psychology and psychiatry. This essay explores Freud’s fundamental contributions, emphasizing how his theories on the unconscious mind, personality structure, and defense mechanisms have influenced contemporary mental health practices.

Freud’s Core Contributions to Psychoanalytic Theory

Sigmund Freud, often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, introduced groundbreaking concepts that garnered both support and criticism. His emphasis on the unconscious mind revolutionized understanding of human behavior, asserting that much of our mental activity is hidden beneath conscious awareness (Freud, 1915). Freud’s development of the structural model of personality—comprising the id, ego, and superego—provided a comprehensive framework to understand internal conflicts and their manifestations (Freud, 1923).

Unconscious Mind and Its Role

Freud proposed that unresolved conflicts and repressed desires residing in the unconscious profoundly influence behavior and emotional well-being (Freud, 1915). Methods such as free association and dream analysis aimed to uncover these hidden aspects, enabling therapeutic progress.

Personality Structure: Id, Ego, and Superego

The structural model describes the three components of personality. The id operates on impulsive pleasure-seeking instincts, the superego embodies moral standards, and the ego mediates between them, balancing innate desires with societal expectations. Disruptions among these components can lead to psychological distress (Freud, 1923).

Defense Mechanisms

Freud identified various defense mechanisms—such as repression, denial, and projection—that individuals use unconsciously to cope with anxiety and internal conflict. These mechanisms serve to protect the ego from psychological harm but can also contribute to maladaptive behaviors (Freud, 1936).

Impact on Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Freud’s theories laid the groundwork for psychoanalytic therapy, emphasizing talk therapy to explore unconscious conflicts. His work influenced later approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, which continues to be relevant in contemporary mental health treatment (Hoffman, 20110).

Criticisms and Modern Perspectives

Despite its enduring influence, Freud’s psychoanalysis has faced criticism for a lack of empirical evidence and overemphasis on sexuality. Nevertheless, his fundamental ideas remain foundational, inspiring numerous psychological theories and therapeutic techniques (Szaluta, 2014).

Conclusion

Freud’s contributions to the understanding of human psychology are unparalleled, offering insights into the complex workings of the mind. His concepts continue to inform psychological practice and research, underscoring the importance of exploring unconscious processes in mental health.

References

• Freud, S. (1915). The unconscious. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIV.
• Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIX.
• Freud, S. (1936). The problem of anxiety. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume III.
• Hoffman, L. (2010). One hundred years after Sigmund Freud’s lectures in America: towards an integration of psychoanalytic theories and techniques within psychiatry. History of Psychiatry, 21(4).
• Szaluta, J. (2014). Sigmund Freud's literary ego ideals. Journal of Psychohistory, 41(4).
• Gerrard, J. (2012). Psychoanalysis and its critics. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34(2).
• McLeod, J. (2019). Psychoanalytic perspectives in contemporary psychology. Annual Review of Psychology, 70.
• Schonfeld, I. S., & Wright, J. C. (2014). The influence of Sigmund Freud's theories. Psychology & Health, 29(4).
• Blass, R. (2015). The legacy of Freud in modern psychotherapy. Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 51(3).
• Levy, K. N. (2016). The enduring relevance of Freudian theory. Psychological Inquiry, 27(4).