Evaluation of Psychoanalytic Theory
Evaluate psychoanalytic theory answering the following questions
Has the theory been tested empirically?
Is it supported by research? does it appear to be accurate/valid?
Is the theory congruent with current nursing standards?
Does the theory provide simplest terms or explanation for the phenomena (parsimony)? If so what were the terms? What about the Heurism.
Sample Answer
Evaluation of Psychoanalytic theory
Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory argues that human behavior revolves around three interactive components: id, ego, and superego. According to the theory, Id is concerned with the instant gratification of the physical urges and needs, while the superego factor is concerned with perfecting social norms and rules (Taylor, 2019). The theory hypothesizes that when the unconscious perceptions and memories are made conscious, a person can make more realistic and logical perceptions regarding the memories and perceptions. But according to Bornstein et al. (2018), there is no empirical evidence supporting any specific proposition of the psychoanalytic theory despite many fields applying the approach in dealing with psychological issues. Paris (2017) also notes that the evidence base for the approach is still thin, limiting its applicability in modern medicine and psychiatry, requiring all forms of therapy to rely on an evidence-based framework. Leichsenring (2008) conducted a meta-analytic study to establish the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy within the healthcare system and found out that long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy has been effective in treating complex mental disorders. Paris (2017) refutes the conclusions by Leichsenring, saying that they are not justifiable due to the use of small samples, heterogeneous clinical presentations, and small effect sizes.
The classical psychoanalysis theory has been sparingly used in mental care due to its inconsistency with the current nursing standards that require safe, timely, affordable, and evidence-based diagnosis and treatment. According to Halter (2017), the psychoanalytic theory requires a lengthy period for diagnosis and treatment, factors that make the therapy untimely and expensive. This limits the access and effectiveness of care for mental patients who need timely, effective, and affordable care. The theory provides simple explanation terms such as conscious, repression, unconscious, resistance, and transference. The theory engages a heuristic teaching approach of problem-solving, providing a platform for the students to connect the psychoanalytic principles with real-life experiences.
References
- Bornstein, R. F., Maracic, C. E., & Natoli, A. P. (2018). The psychodynamic perspective.
- Halter, M.J. (2017). Relevant theories and therapies for nursing practice. Nurse Key. https://nursekey.com/relevant-theories-and-therapies-for-nursing-practice/
- Leichsenring, F. (2008). Effectiveness of Long-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. JAMA, 300(13), 1551. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.300.13.1551
- Paris J. (2017). Is Psychoanalysis Still Relevant to Psychiatry?. Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 62(5), 308–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743717692306
- Taylor, B. (2019). Psychodynamic Perspectives on Personality | Boundless Psychology. Boundless Psychology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-psychology/chapter/psychodynamic-perspectives-on-personality/
