Theoretical Applications - Essay Example

Theoretical Applications As a human being, I have distinct set of traits that determine whom I am. Just like any other individual, I have my own uniqueness that distinguishes me from others. However, to effectively understand myself, I would like to apply the principles of the following psychological theories: Psychoanalytic Approach This theory was propounded by Sigmund Freud. Here, Freud argues that human behaviors are determined by childhood experiences. In his view, an individual becomes a product of the experiences that they had while still young. When a person is born, they do not have any knowledge on them. Thus, as they grow up, they interact with their immediate surrounding to the extent that the lessons they learn become permanent in their minds. After growing up, it is such experiences that they heavily rely on as they develop their character traits (Laplanche and Pontalis 174). To explain the principles behind the operations of this theory, Freud says that human mind has a set of ID, ego and super ego elements. These are structures that help in determining the nature of the interactions within an individual and with the rest of the environment. Whereas the ID is a basic internal element driven by the principle of intuition, ego constitutes the reality component of human mind as t is driven by the principles of pleasure. On the other hand, super ego is a more advanced element based on the principles of morality. For human mind to properly function, the ID, ego and super ego need to work cohesively. Having carried out a self-assessment, I have come to realize that my behavior traits can be explained using this theory. Despite being a teenage boy, I accept the fact that I have had a lot of experiences in my life. While some have been pleasant, others have been so unpleasant with undesirable, horrific and traumatizing implications. However, regardless of the nature of the experiences, they have directly contributed to the kind of personality I have now become. As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher. Thus, I have heavily relied on my experiences to become a unique character of my own type. One incidence that elicited fear on me is when I narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping as a child. This happened at age seven when I was still a mere innocent pupil in an elementary school in South China. Even after issuing warnings to my mum and informing her about the planned action, it was fortunate that the kidnappers mistook me for another child. Thus, they kidnapped her instead of me. The occurrence of this ordeal really changed my life. Rather than causing a lot of fear to me, it permanently changed my perception and attitude towards other people, strangers and the society in general. For this reason, I developed different kinds of traits that I might never had in my entire life. The experience enabled me to become suspicious, vigilant, keen and sensitive. From that day, I have learnt to be a very careful boy who does not just take everything for granted. The bad experience I had during my childhood was actually the reason why I became so vigilant and took the responsibility of being my own protector (Miller 63). Although this has not made me to be an antisocial person, it has made me to have a different view about life. If it were not for this experience which I had while still young, I would not have developed a phobia for strangers. Otherwise, I would be a friendly and welcoming individual who readily accepts to interact with everyone regardless of their behaviors, physique or background. I have learnt about these behaviors on several occasions. It has really influenced my choices, behaviors, reactions, interactions and attitudes. I have made such observations when I meet new people whom I have never seen before. Instead of readily accepting to welcome and attend to them, I often tend to show some fear. In fact, I do raise several questions if such people might be safe to interact with. A similar reaction is evidenced when I go to new places I which I had never been before. Instead of rejoicing for exploring new places, I develop a lot of fear and doubt if they can actually be safe for me as well. Lastly, the bad childhood experience has caused fear in me even when I am in my own house. When my door bell rings twice, the first thing I do is to look for my knife. I feel that such incidences might be signaling a similar attack that had traumatized me during my childhood. In conclusion, psychoanalytic approach rightly explains the origin and nature of my behaviors. As a distinguished scholar, Freud made informed observations that demonstrate that human beings were not actually born with innate knowledge. Instead, they were born with an empty plate in which acquired information is stored. This shows why my childhood experiences have persisted to determine the kind of personality whom I have become today. The results from my self-evaluation and other people’s observations have clearly proven that my sensitive, surveillance, keen and suspicious behaviors are a product of my traumatizing childhood experiences. Had it not been for the attempted kidnap, I would become a different character. Humanistic Approach According to this theory, human beings are naturally good and have an inherent desire for self-actualization. As per the proponents of this theory, a holistic approach to human conducts should be explained by focusing on human potential, will and creativity. Since it emphasizes the treatment of human beings as whole creatures, it advocates for self exploration (Singh97). Meaning, one should not spend much time thinking about other people, but should instead divert their energies to study themselves and understand their own characters, creativity, strengths and weaknesses. However, having self-awareness requires an individual to have goals to accomplish in life. This can be paramount in preparing them to be holistic people who have greater aspirations in life. As a matter of fact, humanistic approach can be used to expound on my character traits and behaviors. As an individual, I have learnt to be an autonomous person who makes his own decisions without necessarily relying on other people. Even if I acknowledge that I have been operating in a society full of other people, rules and regulations to determine my choices, I have managed to come out as an independent person who does not have to be carried away by such external forces. In my opinion, attaining such a level of freedom can put me in the right path of being happier in life. After all, I believe that the ultimate goal in my life should be the attainment of happiness. It is the theory of humanistic approach that can candidly shed more light on the reasons why I have been carrying out as elf-reflection every night immediately before I retire to bed. I believe that I am an informed person who has a deeper understanding of my own self and the environment in which I live. This has been as fundamental to me as it has enabled me to have knowledge of the realities of life. Thus, I have been getting the courage and energy to face life without compromise however difficult it might at times be. As a result of my constant self-reflection, I have gathered a lot of information regarding myself (Sutich and Vich 40). These include communication skills and interpersonal interactions. If I had not created time to study myself, I would not have known what other people think about me. Through humanistic approach, I have been able to look at life from a more objective perspective. I have become an optimist who has good ambitions and hopes in life. In fact, I even aspire to get spiritual fulfillment as my highest level of achievement. It can instill a sense of hope in me and grant me a chance a meaningful life. It is recommended to uphold spiritual values as it can prepare me as I pursue for goodness. Meanwhile, I have learnt to lead an objective life. Since I have the urge to succeed in life, I have set goals to measure my success. My commitment to attain such success has been evidenced in the way I have treated my education with a lot of care. Because I am ready to excel in academics, I have spent close to 15 years studying. Even after completing junior studies in my home country China, I felt it better to come to USA and retake the same course. This, in my opinion, will give me a chance to horn my abilities and grow up as a very strong student who can accomplish his dreams without any problem (Severin 218). In conclusion, humanistic approach can also help in shedding more light on my personality. Being that I am a self-conscious, optimistic and ambitious pupil who has a strong desire for success mean that I know what life entails. Spending twelve years in a boarding school in China then proceeding to US to continue with my high school education shows that I know what I am for. I have set a goal that must be achieved whatsoever. This will put me in the right path of attaining goodness and happiness which matter to me as a humanist. Works Cited Laplanche, J. and Pontalis, J. The Language of Psycho-Analysis, Edited by W. W. Norton & Company, 2011. Print. Miller, Alice. Thou Shalt Not Be Aware, Societys Betrayal of the Child New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2000. Print. Severin, F. Discovering Man in Psychology: A Humanistic Approach. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2005. Print. Singh, J. The Humanistic View of Man. New Delhi, India: Indian Institute of Public Administration, 2008. Print. Sutich, A. and Vich, M. A. (Eds.). Readings in Humanistic Psychology. New York, NY: Free Press, 2012. Print. Read More