Psychology: Psychodynamics vs. Behaviorism

Psychodynamics vs. Behaviorism

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Psychodynamic vs Behaviorism

            Psychology is recognized within the rubrics of behavioral cognitive humanistic and psychodynamics perspectives (James, 2010). These perspectives have been able to give a wider explanation of how humans behave in their day-to-day lives. According to one researcher James (2010), the complex intellectual process can be well related to the behavior of humans which in this study our concern will be basically bound between the perspectives of psychodynamics and behaviorism.

            In the case of psychodynamics, Sigmund Freud used the term psychodynamics with a primary intention to describe the fundamental processes that take place in the mind in the form of psychological libido (Weegman et al., 2008). This is centrally controlled in the brain complex. This is an idea that was nurtured by his advisor Ernst von Brucke who proposed to him the idea of living organisms being a composition of energy systems whose principalities lie between the conservations of energy (Weegman et al., 2008). The principle that guided this argument stated that “the total amount of energy possessed by a physical system will always be constant, the energy quanta can be changed without being annihilated, and that energy can be transferred from one system to another.”

                        On the other hand, Behaviorism can trace its history back to the late 19th century when Edward Thorndike became the pioneer of the law of effect (Baum, 2017). This was a process that was in explaining the behavior in the use of reinforcements. According to Baum (2017), John Watson, in the half of the 20th century became the author of methodological behaviorism that critically rejected the introspective methods which intended to comprehend the behavior of an individual by measuring the observable behaviors and events.

            In the 1930s, another theorist, B. Skinner gave a suggestion on the private eventualities including thoughts and one’s feelings, the theorist described how these internal events could be subjected to variables that included observable behaviors (Baum, 2017). This was later to become the chief basis of radical behaviorism. According to Baum (2017), It was a highly successful experiment that revealed the phenomenon in new methods and recognized the state an organism undergoes including stimuli, response emission, and sensitivity.

             Radical behaviorism was later applied in various settings including the treatment of mental disorders and autism (Wachtel 2014). The researcher further examines that the conflict between radical behaviorism and the cognitive school of thought led to the successful implementation of cognitive behavior therapies that have been used in the fields of science, pathology, and psychology to study phobias, PTSD, and mood disorders.

Psychodynamics

            According to Wachtel (2014), this is one theory that has its origins from Sigmund Freud of 1856 to 1939. This theory has its foundations in the argument that human behavior is deeply propelled by the thoughts and feelings that run through the subconscious mind of an individual (Wachtel, 2014). The aggression of an individual, in this case, refers to the behavioral actions that are intended to cause injury to an individual with whom it is directed. Forms of aggression may be manifested in various ways including verbal attacks, violent acts, and destruction.

This paper is set to give an argument on the psychodynamic theory and the origin of aggression. This is in relation to the explanations of the origins of aggression which can be rooted in the external stimulations and explanations. The fundamental tenets of the theory can help explain how aggression has its origin through the psychodynamics theory (Watson, 2017). Freud raised an argument that the behavior of a human being can be well attributed to the sexual drives and instinctive pressure called libido (Watson, 2017). Libido is originally from Eros. Moreover, human behavior is deeply rooted in childhood experiences which culminate in unconscious motives.

The psychosexual stages identified by the theory include anal, latent, oral, phallic, and genital stages (Blun, 2007). The researcher further colludes that childhood experiences are claimed to be manifested overly in adulthood as a means of the struggle between the tripartite structures that form a human personality. The structural modes are argued by Sigmund Freud to be in three ideal parts including, id, ego, and superego (Blun, 2007). The interactions of these parts are said to conform to the outcomes of aggression that individuals experience.

Moreover, Freud unlocks the personality development structure in relation to the psychodynamics theory (Baum, 2017). This is explained in the origins of aggression. According to Freud, the internal drives that human experiences may have been formulated at a unique stage during personality development (Baum, 2017). This triggers a unique momentum that later triggers the aggression of human beings much later in their lives.  According to Baum (2017), the five stages identified by Freud include:

The oral stage. This represents the pleasure that one obtains from basic acts such as suckling and drinking. The gratifications of these acts are later diffused to other body parts as the child undergoes growth.

The anal phase is focused on the bodily pleasure obtained from expelling or withholding fecal waste. This is done at ages one to three.

The phallic stage comes third. The focus is directed to the genitalia and this is special among parents of the opposite sex. This is where a toddler makes resolutions and can recognize same-sex parents. It happens at the ages of three to six.

The latency stage occurs during puberty. This is where genital pleasures are well advanced. The development of focus is mainly reincarnated at this stage.

Finally, the genital stage. This is a significant stage that takes place during puberty. Once again the main source of pleasure is at the genitals and the focus is on the development of independence.

Strengths of Psychodynamic Theory

            More often, this theory has helped in the focus of one's past, especially childhood. In accordance with the theory, it has been confirmed that the impact of present behavior has been well correlated to childhood experiences (Moore, 2011). For instance, when one experiences drunkenness and forgets what transpired the previous night, chances are high that the individual could have alcoholic parents who have stimulated the drunken behavior.

            Apparently, some people experience loneliness and withdrawals during sobriety, this is in comparison to how they feel when drunk (Moore, 2011). The psychodynamic approach can help one recognize the unconsciousness which may impact the behavior.

Weaknesses of the Approach

            The theory largely ignores the biological components that are associated with the scenario. This is contrary to the fact that there is a very strong basis of psychological evidence behind this technique (Moore, 2011). In the case of addiction, the genetic or predisposition of biological evidence can be very hard to ignore.

            It is very hard for one to be made to believe that their thoughts and behaviors can be influenced by subconsciousness (Moore, 2011). Many people do not find this theory as a fitting one to explain the problem they face at hand.

            Insurance cannot cover the psychodynamic theory. This is due to the fact that it involves the healing of the subconscious and can lead to the projection of unfavorable results to some.

Behavioral Theory

            This is a type of psychological approach that emphasizes more on the scientific and objective methods of analysis and investigations (Martindale et al., 2013). According to the researcher, this approach has been related majorly to the stimulus responses that are entirely observable and are learned through interactions with the environment. The theorists believed that behaviorism considered the environmental factors influencing one’s behaviors. This leads to a focus on learning. Therefore, when an individual is born their minds are in "Tabula Rasa” (Blank state)

            Behaviorism, in this case, has been related to the observable traits and behaviors as opposed to the psychodynamic theories that deal with internal events such as emotions and thinking (Martindale et al., 2013). Behaviorists appreciate the existence of cognition and emotions, though they do not put them into the study as external characters that can be observed or scientifically measured. Therefore, internal events should be considered as behavioral terms.

            This approach has been the most common in learning institutions. This is under the belief that behavior and characters can be taught through the method of repetitiveness of a task (Baum, 2017). This is in combination with the feedback mechanisms obtained from the facilitator. This type of approach has also been significant in training (Baum, 2017). For instance, in the year 1927, Pavlov experimented with dogs. Ivan Pavlov taught the dog to salivate on hearing a bell, this would link them to the time of feeding in case it is rung. After some time, he stopped to feed them in that way, but that did not stop the dogs from salivating on hearing the bell ring (Wachtel, 2014). In this case, the behavior was learned and it was as a result of a series of events that had been experienced. This famous experiment was later known as ‘Classical conditioning’.

Methodological Behaviorism.

According to Watson (2017), this is defined as an objective branch of natural science. Its main goal is to preview the predictions and control of behaviors. In this case, the complexity and refinement of man's behavior largely form the scheme of investigations.

Radical Behaviorism

The theorists of this type of behaviorism agree with the assumption of methodological behaviorism. This theory appreciates the internal mental events and confers with the private events but they cannot be used to explain behavior (Watson, 2017). The major distinction in this behaviorist theory is the influence of environmental factors methodological behaviorism confirms that a mind is tabula rasa at birth (Watson, 2017). In contrast, radical behaviorism argues that organisms are born with behaviors that are innate and recognize the role of genes and biological structures in behavior.

Strengths of Behaviorism

The behaviorist concept can be largely related to observable traits (Baum, 2017). This makes it easier for one to quantify and collect data and information while conducting the research. Theorists and protagonists of the theory of behaviorism have taken pride in initiating studies on behaviors that can be observed and measured (Baum, 2017). This is not the case in psychodynamic theory which deals with unobservable measures such as sexual desires.

This theory has proven to be absolutely helpful in changing maladaptive behaviors in children and adults (Baum, 2017). This is due to the reinforcement of punishments and punishments. In conclusion, these techniques are well-considered and used and can aid in learning things. The basic fact behind this theory is the need to learn. For that reason, the behavioral theory largely lays its emphasis on the teacher-trainer control; where in this case, the trainer employs external reinforcements to motivate and encourage the trainees to obtain stipulated objectives.

Weaknesses of Behaviorism

Critics believe that this theory is one-dimensional in the case of understanding human behavior and does not account for internal influences such as moods thoughts and feelings. It is said to be superficial in explaining behavior and learning. It only considers observable characters that are measurable.

People and animals have been claimed to adapt to newer behaviors and traits when new information has been introduced to them. This is according to critics who believe that regardless of the past behaviors that were established they can still be modified and altered when circumstances present new information.

Comparisons in Psychodynamic and Behavioral Approach to Psychology

As per the above study is worth noting that the behaviorist approach focuses majorly on the environment in which an individual resides. The interactions with the environment largely affect the behavior that the individual portrays. Behaviorists do not look for underlying causes of psychoanalysts in the psychodynamic approach (Wachtel, 2014). They instead make assumptions that maladaptive behaviors can be unlearned and a new set of behaviors be learned.  Wachtel (2014), suggests that the behaviorist approach takes into account the society and environment which is believed to nurture behavior.

In comparison, Freud explains that behavior can be determined by the id, ego, and superego and can also be influenced by childhood experiences (James, 2010). In this argument, the theory tries to explain the fact that no individual has a choice in who they want to be and how they behave.

According to researchers Martindale et al (2013) and James (2010), the psychodynamics theory has not substantiated any shreds of evidence scientifically that would support any form of consumer behavior. This is in comparison to behaviorists who conduct research and develop theoretic pieces of evidence on the basis of scientific methodology and quantitative data.

The approach of the psychodynamic theory tries to explain how childhood experiences could influence unconscious levels, this is in the approach of trying to view the correlation between the personality, mind, and the psyches of an individual (Martindale et al., 2013). In this case, the behavior is driven by emotive perceptions and aspects of mentality.

Conclusion

The study above has given us empirical suggestions on how both approaches have been beneficial in the different behavioral expressions of individuals. For instance, in the psychodynamic approach, the ego is known to sit at the center of situations involving conscious and unconsciousness through the use of ego, id, and superego terms. Nonetheless, behavioral theory tries to handle the behaviors that have been triggered by external stimuli. Psychological therapies utilize both perspectives and therefore give one an opportunity to change an individual.

Scientific cases have arisen on the case of conflict between oneself and drives that are influenced by sex and death instinct. For instance, Sigmund Freud's work tries to correlate aggressive behavior and sexual drives. These philosophical concepts further display the comprehension of the mind of a human being. The application of these studies on patients may lead to positive outcomes that may not only change the mind but also change the behavioral perception of an individual.

Finally, the study has let us understand the behavioral approach with its strengths including empirical data. Behaviorism considerations of unconsciousness have been identified to affect the behaviors of individuals. Behaviorism has been considered to be quite significant in learning approaches, the development of languages, and the treatment of undesirable behaviors. For instance, an individual may be shy in public during a presentation but they may be forced to alter their behavior by taking advantage of the behavioral approach. Therefore, treatment of behavior can be a way to benefit from the behavioral perspective.

References

Baum, W. M. (2017). Understanding behaviorism: Behavior, culture, and evolution. John Wiley & Sons.

Blum, L. D. (2007). Psychodynamics of postpartum depression. Psychoanalytic Psychology, 24(1), 45.

James, C. (2010). The psychodynamics of educational change. In Second International Handbook of Educational Change (pp. 47-64). Springer, Dordrecht.

Martindale, B., & Summers, A. (2013). The psychodynamics of psychosis. Advances in psychiatric treatment, 19(2), 124-131.

Moore, J. (2011). Behaviorism. The Psychological Record, 61(3), 449-463.

Wachtel, P. L. (2014). Cyclical psychodynamics and the contextual self: The inner world, the intimate world, and the world of culture and society. Routledge.

Watson, J. B. (2017). Behaviorism. Routledge.

Weegmann, M., & Cohen, M. (2008). The psychodynamics of addiction. John Wiley & Sons.