Evaluation of Psychodynamic Approach

Evaluation of the Psychodynamic Approach

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Advantages

  • It is a somewhat useful approach. It has practical applications that help people, including allowing psychologists to treat mental disorders through psychotherapy. This can be seen in Freud's study, where Little Hans phobia of horses disappeared once he had been helped to resolve the Oedipus complex through discussions with his father.
  • It emphasises the importance of the unconscious in determining our behaviour. It can help us to understand the root causes of unusual behaviours. For example, Hans' did not understand why he was afraid of horses until his father and Freud suggested that they might represent his father, and be a manifestation of his attempt to resolve the Oedipus complex.
  • It often uses case studies, which is a strength because it allows for the collection of rich, qualitative data.

Disadvantages

  • The studies which take this approach often use small samples - a weakness because the findings of the approach may not be able to generalise to the broader population. This can be seen in Freud's case study of Little Hans, where one young boy was studies, as well as in Thigpen & Cleckley's case study of Eve White, where one American women was studied.
  • This approach is based on concepts that are not directly observable, or testable. This means that there is no way to scientifically verify any findings, and therefore it is impossible to establish cause and effect links. For example, Freud's concepts of the Id, Ego, and Superego cannot be directly observed as they are within our minds.
  • The methodology of case studies used in this perspective may be subjective, and this means that results may be open to bias. For example, much of the data in Freud's case study of Little Hans was gathered through interviews and observations done by Hans' father, who was a keen supporter of Freud. He may have used leading questions, which could have influenced Hans' responses.

Evaluation

This approach is generally considered quite uncredible due to it's untestable, unobservable nature. The theories behind it could be accurate, but until this approach is testable, it can't establish any cause and effect links.

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