Write A 1050 To 1400 Word Paper About Freud And Rogers

Writea 1050 To 1400 Word Paper About Freud And Rogers That Addresse

Writea 1050 To 1400 Word Paper About Freud And Rogers That Addresse

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper about Freud and Rogers that addresses the following: Provide a summary of each article, highlighting the processes that contemporary psychologists use to develop the theories of Freud and Rogers. Explain their views of human nature and their worldviews as expressed in their respective theories. Which aspect of their theory do you think would be different if they were alive and working today? Explain how social and cultural factors influenced the development of Freud’s and Rogers’ respective theories of personality.

Paper For Above instruction

The theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers represent two foundational yet contrasting approaches to understanding human personality, motivation, and development. Both psychologists revolutionized psychology with their unique perspectives—Freud through psychoanalytic theory emphasizing unconscious processes and childhood influence, and Rogers through humanistic psychology emphasizing individual growth and self-actualization. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of each theorist’s core concepts and explores the development of their theories in contemporary psychology, their views on human nature and worldview, potential differences if they were alive today, and the influence of social and cultural factors on their theoretical paradigms.

Summary of Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory and Its Contemporary Development

Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is rooted in the idea that human behavior is largely influenced by unconscious motives, desires, and conflicts arising from childhood experiences. In his original works, Freud introduced significant concepts such as the id, ego, and superego—interacting structures within the psyche that regulate instinctual drives, moral standards, and reality-based decision making. Freud also emphasized the importance of defense mechanisms, psychosexual stages, and the role of unresolved childhood conflicts in shaping adult personality and mental health issues.

Contemporary psychologists have built upon Freud’s foundational ideas, integrating findings from neuroscience, cognition, and developmental psychology. Modern developmental theories, such as attachment theory, expand on Freud’s emphasis on early childhood influences. Likewise, psychoanalytic methods like talk therapy and psychoanalysis remain influential in mental health treatment, albeit with modifications to address current scientific standards. Researchers have also critiqued and refined Freud’s theories, especially concerning their scientific verifiability and cultural bias, leading to diversified approaches such as psychodynamic therapy, which maintains core psychoanalytic principles but emphasizes empirical research (Shedler, 2010).

Summary of Rogers’ Humanistic Theory and Its Contemporary Development

Carl Rogers’ humanistic approach centers on the belief that humans possess an innate drive toward growth, self-awareness, and fulfillment. His person-centered theory emphasizes the importance of a nurturing environment characterized by unconditional positive regard and empathy, which facilitate personal development and psychological health. Rogers proposed that congruence between the self-concept and experiences leads to authenticity and well-being, while incongruence results in anxiety and maladjustment.

In contemporary psychology, Rogers’ ideas have influenced humanistic and positive psychology, especially in therapy practices that prioritize client-centered approaches. Modern developments include the integration of technological advancements, such as online counseling, which maintains core therapeutic principles like empathy and unconditional positive regard. His focus on the subjective experience and the therapeutic alliance continues to underpin contemporary psychotherapies including emotion-focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (Elliott et al., 2011).

Views of Human Nature and Worldview

Freud’s view of human nature is predominantly deterministic, emphasizing unconscious drives, instinctual impulses, and the influence of early childhood. He believed humans are driven by biological instincts—particularly for sex and aggression—that are often in conflict with societal norms. Freud’s worldview is shaped by a somewhat pessimistic perspective on human nature, viewing conflicts and repressed desires as central to mental illness and societal dysfunction.

In contrast, Rogers held an optimistic view of human nature. He believed humans are inherently good, capable of growth, and driven by an innate tendency toward self-actualization. His worldview reflects a humanistic outlook that emphasizes free will, personal responsibility, and the potential for positive change given the right environment.

Potential Changes If Freud and Rogers Were Alive Today

If Freud and Rogers were alive in today's psychological landscape, some aspects of their theories might evolve. Freud, facing current scientific standards demanding empirical support, might incorporate neurobiological research on the unconscious mind and revise certain psychosexual stages to reflect current understanding of development. Modern technology could influence his methods of psychoanalysis, possibly integrating neuroimaging to explore unconscious processes more objectively.

Similarly, Rogers might expand his humanistic principles into broader domains, possibly integrating multicultural and social justice perspectives. He could adopt contemporary insights into trauma, diversity, and systemic factors affecting personal growth. Given today’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, Rogers’ person-centered approach might also be supplemented with empirical measures to quantify therapeutic alliance and outcomes more rigorously.

Social and Cultural Influences on Their Theories

Freud’s theories were profoundly shaped by the social and cultural context of late 19th and early 20th-century Vienna. The Victorian era's conservative norms, gender roles, and societal repression of sexuality influenced Freud’s focus on sexual and aggressive drives. His view that mental health issues stemmed from unconscious conflicts within repressive cultural environments reflects these influences. Furthermore, Freud’s emphasis on gender roles has been critiqued for its cultural biases rooted in his era’s norms.

Rogers’ humanistic ideas emerged during post-World War II America, a period marked by increased emphasis on individual rights, personal freedom, and psychological well-being. The social climate’s emphasis on self-fulfillment, personal growth, and democratic values influenced Rogers’ focus on authentic self-expression and unconditional positive regard. His emphasis on empathy and human potential resonates with the societal shift towards valuing human dignity, diversity, and self-determination.

Both theorists’ ideas were thus products of their respective sociocultural milieus. Freud’s theories reflected a repressive, hierarchical social structure, whereas Rogers’ approach was shaped by a more optimistic, individual-centered cultural movement promoting self-awareness and autonomy.

Conclusion

Freud and Rogers represent contrasting yet foundational perspectives in the understanding of human personality. Freud’s emphasis on unconscious conflicts and childhood origins contrasts with Rogers’ focus on self-actualization and personal growth. Their theories have been expanded, challenged, and adapted by contemporary psychology, which integrates scientific advancements, social awareness, and cultural diversity. If they were alive today, both might incorporate more empirical methods and broader sociocultural considerations into their frameworks, reflecting the ongoing evolution of psychological science and understanding of human nature. Nonetheless, their contributions continue to influence current practice, research, and our understanding of the complex human psyche.

References

• Elliott, R., Greenberg, L. S., & Watson, J. C. (2011). Empathy and the therapeutic relationship. In J. C. Watson (Ed.), Humanistic approaches to therapy (pp. 45–67). Guilford Press.
• Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic therapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109.
• Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Freud, S. (1900). The interpretation of dreams. Basic Books.
• Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Sudnow, D. (2007). Cultural influences on psychoanalytic theory. Culture & Psychology, 13(4), 509–531.
• Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Kenrick, D. T., Griskevicius, V., Neuberg, S. L., & Schaller, M. (2010). Renovating the pyramid of needs: Contemporary extensions built upon ancient foundations. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(3), 292-314.
• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
• Neimeyer, R. A. (2012). Constructivist psychology: Tracing the shift. Constructivist Foundations, 7(3), 180–189.