Psychodynamic Theorist Paper

Psychodynamic Theorist Paper

Intorduction

Within this paper is found a brief discussion on who Sigmund Freud was and how is theories and work helped shape our views of psychology today. Found in this paper is an analysis of theorists after Freud and how they dissent from his work. Also discussed is what links the theorists in the psychoanalytic theory group, and finally discussed in this paper is at least three psychoanalytic theory concepts that are relevant to today's culture, including examples of each concept and their relevance.

Sigmund Freud

Who was Sigmund Freud? Freud was perhaps one of the most influential people in psychology. Some say he was also one of the more controversial theorists in his day as well. Freud paved the way for later theorists in the field of psychology. Later in Freud's life, his ideas replaced the rise of behaviorism, psychoanalysis really had a huge impact on both psychotherapy and psychology as a whole (Cherry 2013)

After Freud Dissent from Freud's Work

According to Cherry, 2013, adding to Freud's grand and way out there theories, of human psychology, he also left his impression and mark on a number of other individuals who went on to become well known in the field of psychology.

Theorists in Psychoanalytic Theory Group

Two great theorists after Freud were Erik Erikson and Melanie Klein. There were many others as well, but Erikson and Klein will be discussed in this paper. Erik Erikson 1902-1994 and according the Cherry 2013, "Erik Erikson spent time studying the cultural life of the Sioux of South Dakota and the Yurok of northern California. He utilized the knowledge he gained of cultural, environmental, and social influences to further develop his psychoanalytic theory. While Freud's theory had focused on the psychosexual aspects of development, Erikson's addition of other influences helped to broaden and expand psychoanalytic theory. He also contributed to our understanding of personality as it is developed and shaped over the course of the lifespan." Cherry 2013 also goes on to say, "His observations of children also helped set the stage for further research. "You see a child play," he was quoted in his New York Times obituary, "and it is so close to seeing an artist paint, for in play a child says things without uttering a word. You can see how he solves his problems. You can also see what's wrong. Young children, especially, have enormous creativity, and whatever's in them rises to the surface in free play."(Cherry K. 2013) Melanie Klein 1882-1960. Melanie Klein psychoanalyzed her own children and in doing so emerged the child play technique of which is still widely used today, this took place after she had her third child in 1914. According to Cherry 2013, "Klein met Sigmund Freud for the first time at the 1918 International Psycho-Analytic Congress in Budapest, which inspired her to write her first psychoanalytic paper, "The Development of a Child." The experience reinforced her interest in psychoanalysis and, after the end of her marriage in 1922, she eventually moved to Berlin to work with noted psychoanalyst Karl Abraham".