Anal Stage and Psychoanalytic Theory Essay Example

then be defined by exaggerated characteristics associated with that bodily zone. For example, an individual that experienced excessively strict potty training would in turn be afflicted with an anal fixation or “anal personality” and would typically display great discipline and thriftiness etc. Psychoanalytic theory of personality has both strengths and weaknesses: Unlike some other theories the psychoanalytic approach is a complete theory and can without difficulty explain behaviour.

It also emphasises the role of the unconscious and that the unconscious part of the mind can perceive things without conscious awareness. However, its main weaknesses are that it is not backed up by any empirical evidence; Freud’s case studies were subjective and extremely interpretative. Freud also placed an over-emphasis on sexual drive and provides us with an extremely pessimistic outlook on personality as it discounts the notion of free will!

The humanistic movement was led by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers and concentrates primarily on an individual’s potential in terms of growth and satisfaction. Humanists have an optimistic perspective on human nature. They focus on the ability of human beings to think consciously and rationally, and to achieve their full potential. In the humanistic view, people are responsible for their own lives and actions, they also have the freedom and will to change their attitudes and behaviour.

Maslow believed a human has a hierarchy of needs to fulfil before becoming a self-actualised individual. After the basic needs such as food and shelter are met, humans seek safety and security and then seek love and acceptance. Only after all these things are done can a person fulfil their potential or achieve “self-actualisation”. Rogers agreed

with most of what Maslow believed in terms of striving towards self-actualisation but through the self-concept or one’s opinion of oneself. Roger’s approach is called person-centred.

He believed that for a person to "grow", they need an environment that provides them with genuineness (openness and self-disclosure), unconditional positive regard (acceptance, respect, love), and empathy (being listened to and understood). Without these, relationships and healthy personalities will not develop as they should. Another basic premise to Roger’s theory is the self or self concept, i. e. what one thinks of oneself is the self-concept, what one wants to be is the self-image, and how others see one is the actual self.