Theory Tables PSYCH/645 Version University of Phoenix Material ✓ Solved

Complete the tables as a Learning Team. Each table should be completed for its respective week, starting with Week Two. Submit the completed tables to your instructor in Week Five.

Week Two Theory Key figures Key concepts of personality formation Explanation of the disordered personality Scientific credibility Comprehensiveness Applicability Psychodynamic

Attachment

Psychosocial

Week Three Theory Key figures Key concepts of personality formation Explanation of the disordered personality Scientific credibility Comprehensiveness Applicability Humanistic

Week Four COGNITIVE AND SOCIAL COGNITIVE ARE THE ONLY TWO THAT NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED Theory Key figures Key concepts of personality formation Explanation of the disordered personality Scientific credibility Comprehensiveness Applicability Behavioral Cognitive Social cognitive

Week Five Theory Key figures Key concepts of personality formation Explanation of the disordered personality Scientific credibility Comprehensiveness Applicability Trait Biologically oriented

Paper For Above Instructions

The study of personality formation has been integral to psychology, evolving through various theoretical frameworks. This paper outlines five distinct theoretical approaches: Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Behavioral, Cognitive, and Trait theories, while discussing significant figures, key concepts, and implications for understanding disordered personalities.

Psychodynamic Theory

Key Figures: Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Carl Jung, Karen Horney, and Erik Erikson stand out within Psychodynamic theory. Freud's foundational work established the concept of the unconscious mind, sex, and aggression as motivators of behavior (Cervone & Pervin, 2012).

Key Concepts: Freud’s model consists of three levels of awareness: the id, ego, and superego, which influenced later theories. Adler’s emphasis on inferiority and social interest shaped views on motivation and personality development (Cervone & Pervin, 2012). Jung introduced the idea of the collective unconscious and archetypes, asserting a shared experience among humans.

Explanation of Disordered Personality: Psychodynamic theorists propose that early childhood experiences shape adult behavior, with unresolved conflicts contributing to disordered personalities (McLeod, 2017). Horney and Sullivan emphasized the role of social influences and interpersonal relationships in personality formation.

Scientific Credibility: While Psychodynamic theory emphasizes psychological factors, critics argue it lacks scientific testing, making it difficult to validate (McLeod, 2017). Nevertheless, proponents assert its depth in exploring human behavior. Some studies support the relevance of Freudian concepts in contemporary psychotherapy.

Comprehensiveness: This approach is comprehensive in its historical significance and depth concerning childhood influences on personality. However, it has been criticized for potential biases and a lack of empirical support.

Applicability: Psychodynamic concepts inform therapeutic approaches like psychoanalysis, revealing insights into depression and relationships (McLeod, 2017).

Humanistic Theory

Key Figures: Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow are pivotal figures in Humanistic psychology.

Key Concepts: The concept of free will and the pursuit of self-actualization are fundamental to this theory, contrasting with deterministic views of human behavior (Rogers, 1961; Maslow, 1943).

Explanation of Disordered Personality: Humanistic psychologists argue that disordered personalities arise when individuals cannot realize their potential due to societal pressures or negative experiences hindering self-actualization.

Scientific Credibility: Humanistic psychology has received mixed reviews regarding its scientific basis, often criticized for its subjective nature but still valued for its holistic view of human nature.

Comprehensiveness: The theory comprehensively accounts for the complexity of human motivation and behavior, emphasizing personal growth and fulfillment. However, it may oversimplify psychological conditions.

Applicability: Therapeutically, Humanistic psychology is pivotal in client-centered therapy, encouraging individuals to explore their feelings and aspirations.

Behavioral Theory

Key Figures: John B. Watson, Ivan Pavlov, and B.F. Skinner contributed significantly to Behavioral psychology.

Key Concepts: Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors over internal processes, positing that behavior is a product of environmental influences and conditioning (Skinner, 1948).

Explanation of Disordered Personality: According to this perspective, disordered personalities result from maladaptiveConditioning or learning experiences, where behaviors are reinforced positively or negatively.

Scientific Credibility: Behavioral theory emphasizes empirical research, showcasing robust scientific foundations through quantifiable studies. Its experimental nature strengthens its credibility in psychology.

Comprehensiveness: While comprehensive in behavioral observation, it may neglect internal thoughts and emotions critical to understanding the whole person.

Applicability: Application in treatment methods such as behavior modification has shown effectiveness in altering maladaptive behaviors, particularly in clinical settings.

Cognitive Theory

Key Figures: George Kelly and Albert Bandura are notable figures, with Bandura's work on social cognitive theory highlighting observational learning.

Key Concepts: Cognitive theory posits that thought processes significantly shape behavior and emotional states, suggesting that cognitive distortions contribute to psychological disorders (Bandura, 1997).

Explanation of Disordered Personality: Cognitive theories argue that dysfunctional thinking patterns or beliefs lead to disordered personalities, presenting challenges in emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Scientific Credibility: Cognitive psychology benefits from a wealth of empirical research, providing a solid scientific basis for its principles, enhancing its acceptance in clinical practice.

Comprehensiveness: This framework accommodates complexities in thought patterns and their links to emotions and behaviors, promoting a layered understanding of personality.

Applicability: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a direct application of these principles, demonstrating effectiveness in treating various psychological disorders.

Trait Theory

Key Figures: Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell, and Hans Eysenck laid the groundwork for trait theories. They focused on identifying stable and consistent personality characteristics.

Key Concepts: Trait theory emphasizes genetic predispositions and biological influences on personality, categorizing traits into different dimensions.

Explanation of Disordered Personality: According to trait theorists, disordered personalities can emerge from extreme trait expressions leading to maladaptive behaviors.

Scientific Credibility: This theory is supported by robust empirical research, including the Five Factor Model (McCrae & Costa, 1987), enhancing its scientific validity.

Comprehensiveness: Trait theory offers a practical framework for analyzing and predicting behaviors; however, it may overlook situational influences on personality.

Applicability: Trait theory facilitates assessments in various settings, including professional and clinical environments, helping to understand individual differences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding personality formation is essential for addressing psychological disorders. Each theoretical framework offers unique insights, from the unconscious motivations of psychodynamic theory to the environmental interactions emphasized in behavioral and cognitive theories. A nuanced approach that integrates multiple theories may provide the most comprehensive insights into personality development and disorder treatment.

References

  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman.

  • Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2012). Personality: Theory and research. Wiley.

  • Grunbaum, A. (1979). Is Freudian Psychanalytic Theory Pseudo-Scientific by Karl Popper’s Criterion of Demarcation? American Philosophical Quarterly, 16(2).

  • McCleod, S.A. (2017). Psychodynamic Approach. Simply Psychology. Retrieved from [website link]

  • Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.

  • Rogers, C. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.

  • Skinner, B. F. (1948). Walden Two. New York: Macmillan.

  • McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1987). Validation of the Five-Factor Model of Personality across instruments and observers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(1), 81-90.

  • Cattell, R. B. (1965). The scientific analysis of personality. Penguin Books.

  • Allport, G. W. (1937). Personality: A psychological interpretation. New York: Holt.