Psychoanalysis entails a number of psychological and psychotherapeutic theories. It is a concept that was originally introduced by Sigmund Freud (Hersen & Gross, 2007). Freud did a commendable job in developing the foundational theories that gave the psychoanalysis a lifeline. The concept has been revised and reformed over the years to make it better. Psychoanalytic models are tools used in the field of psychoanalysis to explain human behavior. The paper evaluates the available psychoanalytic models and their contribution to the understanding of human behavior. It looks at the limitations and advantages of various psychoanalytic models.
First, Freudian psychoanalytic models comprise of some of the original theories that were developed to help explain human behavior. Freud advanced the topography theory, which asserts that the mind is divided into three parts that are mental. The three divisions in the brain are unconscious, preconscious and unconscious parts (Trad, 2007). The topography was significant in laying the foundations of psychoanalysis, which was a breakthrough in psychiatry.
Freud later replaced this particular theory with structural theory. According to the structural theory, the human psyche is divided into the ego, id and the super ego. The id is the part of the psyche that is present from birth. It contains the basic instincts that one might need for survival. The id psyche operates solely on the principle of pleasure it does not possess any realism (Trad, 2007). The ego part of the psyche develops slowly from the time birth. It connects the desires and urges from the id and the external world realities. The super ego part of the psyche is concerned with self-criticism, observation and reflective thinking. The ego and super ego both possess both conscious and unconscious properties.
A number of objections and criticisms have been directed towards the topography and structural theories of psychoanalysis. Some scientists believe the methods did not have a strong foundation. They think the arguments advanced highly in rigid methods, which can give a comprehensive explanation of human behavior. These traditional theories rely too much on dreams and lack empirical evidence. They seem weak and do not set firm standards for starting treatment. In addition, the methods used by Freud to develop these theories are questionable. The use of theories requires prolonged therapy sessions that run for years. It is not possible to carry sessions for a long time because of various limitations like cost and time.
Object relations theory is another psychoanalytic model, which explains human relationships based on internal self-presentations and the presentation of others. Object relation problems are shown by symptoms like issues that interfere with the ability of an individual to feel the warmth, sense of security, stable identity, and trust and relationship stability. It touches on the ability of one to maintain consistent emotional closeness. The object relations theory asserts that internal balance is crucial in the life of any human being (Hersen & Gross, 2007). Internal conflicts are likely to develop early in life based on experience and circumstances. According to the object relations theory, the presence of parents in the life of a child is imperative during the initial years of development. Parents help in defining self-representation of a child early in life. They assist in laying the proper foundation, which aids in avoiding internal disturbances later in life.
The object relations theory has been crucial in the treatment of many patients suffering emotional and identity problems. It helps in connecting character traits and emotional problems, which give a clear picture of the problems that, might be disturbing a patient. The object relations theory is among the psychoanalytic models that are still used by modern psychologists for therapy.
Interpersonal Psychology is another psychoanalytic that is employed in the field of psychiatry. The model analyzes human behavior in relation to anxiety. It studies the how people behavior to protect themselves from anxiety. According to interpersonal psychoanalytic theory, human beings possess a tendency to create collusive interactions with the view of avoiding anxiety. The model has been influential in defining human behavior in terms of how people related to family members and peers. Interpersonal Psychology is significant in the field of psychiatry because it helps in understanding anxiety and its effects on human behavior.
Self-psychology is an analytic model that puts so much emphasis on human contact. It analyzes the development of a stable personality and self-value based on contact with other people. The patient is presented with a number of self-objects, which he/she is supposed to internalize. The internalization of these objects gives the individual a sense of self-worth. It creates a stable person who can accurately identify with people in his/her surrounding.
Psychoanalytic models have been significant in understanding human behavior at different levels. The models provide ways of treating mental disturbances by presenting a clear guideline on the human mind works (Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2010). Different models describe different aspects of the human behavior. The traditional theories have been developed to make them comprehensive. The model is used to handle conditions that cannot be treated by administration of medicines. Some issues are mental and relate to the internal emotional state of an individual.
Major criticisms of psychoanalytic models stem from its theoretical foundations. These associations do not lead to science positivism, which makes it different from the scientific study of the mind. The models are not compatible with scientific approaches that have been applied in the study of the mind. The models are criticized for depending qualitative study. They have little foundation for experimental and quantitative research. The lack of the quantitative study and empirical research makes it difficult to prove the available psychoanalysis theories.
In conclusion, psychoanalytic have been significant in advancing the science of human behavior. It has helped in explaining the effects of human interactions at different levels. The explanations advanced by these theories have been useful in therapy for the mentally disturbed and emotionally unstable people. The primary criticism towards these models is the lack of substantial scientific evidence to support claims advanced in the theories. The lack of scientific proof has made it difficult for positive scientists to accept the explanation given by the different psychoanalytic theories.