In the
following paragraphs the learner will take a look at the theories of
Psychodynamic and Psychosocial Development in reference to Developmental Themes
in Chapter 6 “Infancy”. The learner will consider who developed the theories,
what the theories attempt to provide and the facts concerning the individual
theories. Lastly, the learner will then provide some personal perception on how
the theories might be used.
Psychodynamic Theory was developed
by Freud and it attempts to explain personalities in terms of consciousness and
unconscious forces. This theory looks at how inner energies and external forces
interact to impact emotional development. This theory can be recognized in the part of
this chapter that states “…babies are highly sensitive creatures whose
experiences in early infancy affect personality and other characteristics for
the rest of life” (Ashford
& LeCroy, 2013, p. 245). The theory of Psychosocial Development was developed by
Erikson and it is used to explain how internal and external forces shape life
development by stages. This theory can be seen in the statement “Infants must
receive appropriate and consistent care in order to develop a sense of
security.” (Ashford & LeCroy,
2013, p. 245).
In comparing
the two theories it would seem to this learner that both believe that there are
internal and external forces working together to shape human development
overall. In contrast the two theories
are saying that while psychosocial theory believe that these forces work
throughout the lifetime of the individual, the psychodynamic theory believes
that the development process is confined to the early development years. (Ashford & LeCroy, 2013, p. 98).
While both theories play an important
role in social work services today, it is important to be able to use the
correct theory at the proper time when needed. Personally,
the learner believes that using a combination of both theories to help in
assessing a client would be beneficial. The learner believe that everyone
experiences things differently and considering what happens throughout the
client’s life is important and what happened during the early years may be the
best place to begin therapy.
Reference
Ashford, J. B. & LeCroy,
C. W. (2013). Human behavior in the social
environment: A multidimensional perspective, (5th ed.).
I agree with your thoughts that there are both internal and external forces working together to shape human development. It is so important for social workers to understand each population they encounter, especially the late adulthood population. It will help social workers to make the late adulthood experience that much better for clients.
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