Freudian Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality - Essay Example

Freudian Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality Freudian psychoanalytic theory of personality is widely characterized as a perspective of monumental importance because of its depth and complexity. The differences in behaviors as explained by Freud is brought about by the three stages of development that includes Id, ego and the super ego. The three stages of development will helps in understanding the processes, dynamics and functions responsible for the difference in behavior. When the stages are not well balanced, they can have adverse effect on the life of an individual. For example, Id in most cases can lead to maladaptive behavior like the criminal behaviors. Id is the source of all the psychic energy in human beings. This developmental stage of Id is brought about by the fulfilment of ones needs and pleasures. When the needs of an individual are not fulfilled, an event of tension and anxiety will drive one towards the area of fulfilment. For example in case they feel hunger, they will go get the food while the children will resort to crying. The other stage of development that determines the behaviour of an individual is the ego. Ego deals with reality. A normal person possesses this developmental stage as they work in a way of ensuring that the needs of an Id are expressed in a more acceptable way. The behaviour is controlled by the principle of reality hence its reasoning are more realistic and socially acceptable since the impacts and the cost of actions are put into consideration before a decision is reached. The superego on the other hand is responsible for the inner morality and ideas that are got from the environment, having the sense of what is right, and what is wrong. Superego guides the sense of judgement. It will drive behaviour to the right path of ideal and good behaviours, obeying rules and thus accomplishing the results of pride and value. It is also controlled by conscience that holds information on the things that are considered negative by the society. The three developmental stages explained by Freud will therefore determine personality and behaviour of an individual. Post Freudian: Erikson and Jung Erickson and Jung, demonstrated the behaviour development and differences on the stages of psychosocial development. Their works was largely influenced by Freud as they stated that the human personality also develops in stages and are influenced by the social life at all levels of life. In the development of behaviour, culture and the social environment have a major influence on the development of ego identity. Erickson’s theory gives a major element in determining personality and self-conscious as the influence in the social interactions. A person’s ego undergoes constant changes as it responds to the new environments and new information that are acquired through interaction. The social challenges encountered during development may either hinder or facilitate the development of one’s personality. Apart from identity, the level of competence will affects and motivates the behaviour and action of an individual while conflicts must also be resolved at every stage of development to emerge stronger in personality. The theory does not give clearly the reasons behind every development within the social and emotional senses of development. In general, the theory tends to describe the understanding behind the influence of culture and social environment on the personality of an individual. One’s personality is therefore affected by the kind of environment one lives in, the people they interact with and their own culture. Read More