Psychodynamics theories are approaches that try to explain the relationship that exist between the emotional and motivational forces at the unconscious level in the human behaviour. They seek to explain the dynamic process that takes place in the complex brain to reveal the exact truth of what happens when we are in the unconscious state. These theories entirely depend on the theory of inner conflict, which reflects on the fact that concealed behaviours and emotions of a patient are known at his or her conscious state. Among these theories are Freudian, Jungian, Alderian and other theories that explain the dynamic psychology. Freud was the first initiator of the theories and most of the other psychiatrists based their approaches on his theory. The test of the validity of the psychodynamic theories is significantly essential.
The application of these theories is essential in the treatment of psychological problems. In this regard, it is possible to analyze psychological development by conceptualising the unconscious state of the mind on a person’s mechanism of behaviour. Appreciation of the personal assessment through the study of the intersection of reported distress and self-restraint gives psychodynamic theories their relevance. It gives knowledge to individuals on the manner in which the mental capabilities can be assessed and way of instilling self-regulatory controls. An attempt to explain the motivational forces of the unconscious state is influenced by the vulnerability of defence and the ego. In this regard, the psychodynamics theories define an appropriate means in which the vulnerability-stress assessment can be achieved with the consideration of implications of its intervention (Brandell, 2004). By using this approach, psychiatrist can relate the manner in which the character of a person has certain weakness and uniqueness that could affect the growth or normality of the client based on their mentality.
Psychodynamic theories can be tested to determine their validity and relevance in therapeutic treatment. Since there is some relationship between the human behaviour and the mental process, the results of psychodynamic theories clearly indicate that by analyzing the internal self-conscious of a person gives an insight on current trauma or challenges that are occurring. Nevertheless, the results show that a deeper understanding of the psychodynamics theories in dealing with the day-to-day psychological issues is very important as it guides on developing fundamental solutions to various problems. Additionally, the psychodynamic theories give a clear analysis of the existing person’s repression, memory and abuse that guide in the formulation of psychological solutions (Feist 1998).
Numerous studies have been conducted to find out the validity of the psychodynamic theories. These studies have tried to seek out the factual content of the theories in relation to the human behaviour. Moreover, a deeper knowledge is sought on how these approaches are meaningful in the search of psychological solutions. For example, the Freudian theory of interpretation of dreams has been tested to discover whether there is any relationship between the dreams that occur in the unconscious level and the real life of the dreamer. To some extent, there exist some connection but it is hard to explain its truth despite the incorporation of the dream censor (Taylor, 2009). Contrary to such hypothesis, it was discovered that dreams are a result of image objects of the brain activity during sleep. Although other studies reveal some faultiness exhibited by the theories, they still concur that there exist some truth and relevance in the approaches.
The test of the validity of the psychodynamic theories has been crucial. Since the inception of the subject by Freud, numerous tests have been carried out seeking to establish the significance and applicability of the psychodynamic theories in dealing with psychological problems. These tests indicate that the understanding of these theories is very critical in the search for fundamental elements of any therapeutic treatment. Moreover, application of the theories reveals that a psychiatrist gains deeper knowledge on the root causes of problems affecting the clients. These theories therefore indicate that they are magnificent and functional in the psychology field.
References
- Brandell, J. R. (2004). Psychodynamic social work. New York: Columbia University Press.
- Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (1998). Theories of personality (4th ed.). Boston, Mass.: McGraw-Hill.
- Taylor, E. (2009). The mystery of personality: a history of psychodynamic theories. New York: Springer.