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Comparison of theoretical positions
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Comparison of theoretical positions
Over the years the study of psychology has been advanced by numerous individuals who
have contributed their unique and innovative ideas and theories regarding human thoughts and
behavior to this ever-changing discipline. Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Sigmund Freud and William
James are several of the most renowned psychologists/theorists in the history of the field. While
each individual had their own personal ideas and beliefs as to how the human mind functioned,
they shared a common goal of discovering the unknown mysteries of the subconscious and
attempted to explain their ideas with the development of a number of psychological theories.
“Jungian Analysis” and/or “Analytical Psychology” are terms which can be used to
describe Carl Jung’s practice of psychology. In order to differentiate his theories and method of
therapy from that of Freud, Jung preferred to use the term “analytical” instead of
“psychoanalysis”. Jung was a “student” of Freud’s for a number of years during the early part of
the 20th Century. Similar to other followers of Freud, Jung left Freudian ideology behind in order
to create his own methods and techniques. One of the main aspects of “Jungian Analysis” is the
combined functioning of both the client and therapist in an effort to create an alignment between
the subconscious and conscious elements of the psyche in order to produce new principles and
ideals which in turn, create a new purpose. Jung believed that the study of the subconscious was
important, however; he also felt as though particular aspects of mythology, religion and
philosophy were crucial aspects of underlying emotional problems. “The Jungian therapist helps
the patient find more meaning in her life, with respect for the mysterious nature of the soul”
(Psychology Today, n.d.).
“Adlerian theory primarily emphasizes birth order, individual life styles, social interests,
and concepts pertaining to inferiority and superiority as principle components of personality. For
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Adler, psychological health is determined by the level of social contribution beneficial to the
greater community” (Hunter, n.d.). Adler was also a student of Freud however; he eventually
rejected Freud’s views and ideas regarding the sources of psychoses. While Freud believed sex
and subconscious desires caused mental instabilities, Adler believed that a sense of inferiority
caused conflicting feelings within the psyche. He used the term “superiority complex” to convey
the ways in which individuals suppress their real feelings. The Adlerian therapist focuses on
ways to promote their clients goals and realize their true feelings in order to provide them with a
solid foundation to alleviate their feelings of fear and inferiority. Personal growth and mutual
feelings of trust between client and therapist are vital in Adlerian therapy whereas the
psychoanalytic method used by Freud tended to be more scientifically-based and detached.
Without a doubt, Sigmund Freud is the first individual who comes to mind when the
discipline of psychology is considered. Freud had numerous followers, many who agreed with
his theories and many who soon broke away from his concepts and ideas to form their own
theoretical positions, even so; it cannot be denied that Sigmund Freud formed the basic
foundations of the field of psychology. Freud based his beliefs on the unconscious aspect of the
human mind; he felt as though all psychological difficulties and/or behavior problems originated
because of suppressed memories and feelings of which the individual was not aware.
An ‘unconscious’ mental process or event, for Freud, is not one which merely
happens to be out of consciousness at a given time, but is rather one which
cannot, except through protracted psychoanalysis, be brought to the forefront of
consciousness. The postulation of such unconscious mental states entails, of
course, that the mind is not, and cannot be, either identified with consciousness,
or an object of consciousness (Thornton, 2010).
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Freud’s theory of psycho-sexual development posited that each individual passes through
5 stages of growth during particular periods throughout their childhood. Each stage has specific
requirements which must be met before the individual is able to pass on to the next stage. If any
of the stages is not properly resolved, “fixation” occurs which then leads to personal, mental and
emotional difficulties later in life.
William James was a member of the functionalist school of thought in psychology; he
believed that each individual’s environment contributed to one’s mental state and behavior.
James did not agree with the structuralists views which attempted to dissect particular
experiences and analyze them piece by piece, instead; he felt as though every occurrence and
event should be considered in its entirety in order to properly explain its impact on the
individual. James believed that the usefulness or value of a thought or idea should be focused on
due to the fact that the concept of pragmatism posits that the truth or accuracy of an idea is
unable to be proven. James is possibly best known for his theory on emotions which puts forth
the idea that physiological responses to occurrences or particular events are the underlying
causes for all emotional responses. The study of numerous levels of consciousness were a major
focus for James throughout his life and career; he tended to incorporate religion and religious
beliefs, mysticism and even aspects of the paranormal into his investigations into the functioning
of the mind. William James differs from the aforementioned psychologists mainly due to the fact
that he considered all aspects of the conscious and unconscious aspect of the human mind; he did
not base his theoretical position on suppressed memories or unresolved conflicts in childhood,
instead; he incorporated aspects of biology, religion the environment and the ability of the
individual to utilize free will to determine the path of their life.
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The causes and nature of human psychological functioning have always been topics of
debate for individuals involved in the discipline of psychology. Even though Jung, Adler, Freud
and James held different theoretical positions, they were all attempting to work toward the
collective objective of explaining and understanding the mysteries of the human mind and the
internal and external factors which contributed to what they considered to be “normal” and
“abnormal” actions, thoughts and behaviors. Thanks to the varied perspectives and studies of
these renowned individuals, the field of psychology has advanced and grown to the science it is
today.
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References
Hunter, C. (n.d.). Adlerian Therapy. Mental Health Musings. Retrieved January 10, 2011, from
http://www.christiehunter.com/personality/alderian-therapy.htm
Psychology Today. (n.d.). Therapy Center | Treatment Methods. Find a Therapist, Psychologist,
Counselor - Psychology Today. Retrieved January 10, 2011, from
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com
Thornton, S. (2010, December 29). Freud, Sigmund [Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy].
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved January 10, 2011, from
http://www.iep.utm.edu/freud/