Historical Foundations in Psychology

Historical Foundations in Psychology

Choose at least two (2) different theoretical perspectives that have been covered in this course and discuss how the cultural, societal, and historical contexts within which the theories are derived have influenced their major tenets and framework.

Kelland, M. (2017, July 07). Personality Theory. OER Commons. Retrieved October 15, 2024, from https://oercommons.org/authoring/22859-personality-theory.

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Answer

To explore how cultural, societal, and historical contexts influence personality theories, we’ll examine Psychoanalysis (particularly Freud’s work) and Humanistic Psychology (focusing on Rogers and Maslow). Each theory is rooted in distinct historical moments and cultural backgrounds that shape their frameworks and key concepts. Historical Foundations in Psychology

Psychoanalysis

Cultural and Societal Context: Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emerged during a time of significant change in Western society. The Victorian era, characterized by strict social norms and repression of sexuality, deeply influenced Freud’s ideas. Freud posited that many psychological issues stemmed from repressed desires, particularly sexual ones. This perspective mirrored the tension between societal norms and individual desires in Victorian culture.

Historical Context: Freud’s theories were also shaped by the burgeoning fields of neurology and psychology, as well as the influence of philosophical movements, such as German Idealism. Freud sought to understand the unconscious mind, which he believed could be revealed through dreams, slips of the tongue, and free association. The historical context of scientific inquiry during this era lent a sense of legitimacy to his theories, despite their controversial nature. Historical Foundations in Psychology

Major Tenets: Freud’s model of the psyche, consisting of the id, ego, and superego, illustrates how internal conflicts arise from societal constraints. The emphasis on childhood experiences as foundational to adult personality reflects societal beliefs about the importance of family and upbringing during Freud’s time. The concepts of repression and the unconscious were particularly radical, challenging the era’s prevailing views on rationality and morality.

Humanistic Psychology

Cultural and Societal Context: Emerging in the mid-20th century, Humanistic Psychology arose as a response to both Psychoanalysis and Behaviorism. This was a period marked by a growing emphasis on individuality, self-expression, and personal fulfillment, influenced by…