The psychoanalytic approach to personality

Psychoanalytic-Social Personality Perspective

Running head: PSYCHOANALYTIC-SOCIAL PERSONALITY PERSPECTIVE

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PSYCHOANALYTIC-SOCIAL PERSONALITY PERSPECTIVE

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Psychoanalytic-Social Personality Perspective

What makes the psychoanalytic-social perspective of personality unique?

A simple breakdown shows that the psychoanalytic social theory was created upon the theory that cultural and social conditions, particularly the various experiences one would have during their childhood, play a big role in shaping a person’s personality. Those who did not have their needs for love and affection fulfilled during their childhood develop some sort of aggression towards their parents. Because of this aggression they could develop some level of anxiety. It could be an understood culture that is not controlled by any sort of cultural values, but this could be a hard task to complete. “Erikson envisioned a psychoanalytic approach that would consider social and cultural realities rather than focusing exclusively on the individual, as Freud had done. James Cote and Charles Levine have developed such a psychoanalytic social psychology in their research and theorizing” (Cloninger, 2013).

What are the main components of each of the psychoanalytic-social personality theories? What are some of the main differences between theories?

According to Freud’s structure of the human mind, there are three main components of each of the psychoanalytic social personality theories. The first one being Id which is the most primitive is concerned with instant gratification of basic needs and urges. “For example, if your id walked past a stranger eating ice cream, it would most likely take the ice cream for itself” (having the “I want it now mentality), according to Boundless (2016). The Superego is more concentrated on rules and morals and related to what many people call their “conscience” or their “moral compass” (Boundless, 2016). For example, having both your id and superego involved in taking the ice cream, you would still take it but feel bad or guilty afterwards. Last is the Ego, which is the rational part of our personality. The ego does not want to take something knowing right from wrong but still wants the ice cream. Instead of frustrating you id, your ego makes a sacrifice as part of compromising (Boundless, 2016).

Some main differences between the theories are the feelings and emotions you have after following or satisfying your mentality at that moment and the actions taken in order to not only get what is wanted but also how to compromise.

Choose one of the psychoanalytic-social personality theories, and apply it to your own life. Explain your own personality and personality development through this theory.

The psychoanalytic social personality I choose is the Ego. When I want something, rather than taking it and making not only the person it belongs to feel horrible but also myself, I try to hit two birds’ with one stone. I either find out where they go it from and get my own or trade and sometimes ask if I can have the item.

My personality through this is more of a kind, warm-hearted, caring person. My personality traits also include sharing and open-mindedness along with willing to try new experiences. The personality development I have gone through is someone stealing from me and the feeling I had afterwards. This made me not want to ever have a person feel like they had been violated or worthless.

References

Boundless (2016). Boundless Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/personality-16/psychodynamic-perspectives-on-personality-77/freudian-psychoanalytic-theory-of-personality-304-12839/

Cloninger, S (2013). Theories of Personality: Understanding Persons. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.