Freud vs Adler Theories
Sigmund Freud has held the distinction as the Founder ofPsychoanalysis in contributing a revolutionary concept that emphasizes onthe human unconscious (Boerre 1997). His theory on the energy sources heand his associate, Josef Breuer, called the id, ego and superego, make upthe human psyche. They formulated that the id as the unconscious part thatworks on the eros or sexual life energy and the tanatos or anger/deathenergy. The ego energy source balances these energies, that is why people,in general, can function and coexist in society (Boeree). The ego is strongenough to control them. Freud and Breuer's theory, however, suggested that,sometimes, the id becomes more dominant and gets to control human behavior,such as during sleep when suppressed desires are revealed in dreams. Thetheory also holds that the superego is a person's mental image of his orher ideal self, which includes all the values and norms learned andinternalized from the person's environment. The superego energy is,therefore, directly opposed to and by the id, and the ego endeavors tosatisfy and keep both extremes balanced (Boeree). Freud also proposed that mental disorders develop in early childhood
If Freud's humanunconscious theory had little empirical evidence that could be objectivelymeasured and "manipulated (Boeree 1997)," s was Adler's theory. l, anal, phallic, latent and genital stages. Freud was quite strict withhis theory and did not allow deviations. And even thosewho have religious beliefs or goals can agree that many of the details inAdler's theory are anecdotal and not necessarily universal enough to beaccepted as an explanation of human personality dynamics and the causes ofneuroses. Through these choices, the individual wouldactualize himself or herself and, thus, shape his or her internal andexternal environments. Following Freud's suggestions, one must perceive people as essentialenemies and competitors of one another and who must, therefore, be onconstant guard against everyone (Mosak and Maniacci, p 55); neurosis wasthe price that civilization exacts upon people and that it was sexual innature and origin; and that women are inferior because they envy men fortheir anatomy, which, in turn, dictates destiny. The positive-personal approach taken by Adler has won many, but therehave been criticisms about its scientific basis. Tackling these objections to Freud's theory requires an understandingof his predominantly narrative-interpretative style that fashioned histechniques from a mix of an interpretation of dreams, self-analyses andstory-telling influences from Greek mythology (Pietersen 2004). He viewed a person as a holistic and indivisible dynamism,whose components - memory, emotions, behavior - are available for his usein a social pursuit. And because of his or herinherent aberration, therapy can only help sublimate a person's basicdivision and distortion, but in no way eradicate instinctual urges anddemands (Mosak and Maniacci, p56). As opposed to Freud's concept, Adler believed that psychotherapyshould be subjective and hold social values as the goal (Mosak andManiacci, p 56). True thinkers can assume on Adler's principlesas hopeful and useful constructs, but not as absolute truths. But Freud's theory has been criticized as not supported by sufficientempirical evidence that can be objectively and tangibly measured (Boeree1997). Adlersuggested that a person or patient was/is not just a "bundle of nerves" andantagonistic instincts and drives, but a unified whole that seeks outsocial connection and a meaning in life (Scott). This led to turn to psychiatryand joining Freud's Vienna Society or Wednesday evening discussions on thelatter's invitation in 1902, during which Adler was already serving aspresident of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society.
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Acceptance Essays
