Psychoanalytic and Behavioral Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology and the Physiological Effects of Cortisol
Overview
This paper compares psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud with behavioral theoretical perspectives, examining how each explains human development and behavior. It also analyzes the physiological dangers of prolonged cortisol elevation in the bloodstream, including muscle tissue breakdown, metabolic dysfunction, appetite changes, and immune system suppression.
What this essay covers
- Psychoanalytic perspective: Freud's ID, Ego, and Superego model and their unconscious influence on behavior
- Behavioral perspective: Environmental interaction, observable behavior, and learned responses through punishment and reward
- Comparison of psychoanalytic versus behavioral theoretical approaches
- Cortisol's role in stress response and acute situations
- Negative health consequences of chronic cortisol elevation including muscle breakdown, metabolism changes, increased appetite, and reduced Secretory IgA immune protection
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Psychology Essays
Option A: Psychoanalytic and Behavioral Theoretical Perspectives in Psychology
The psychoanalytic and behavioral theoretical perspectives in psychology play a critical role in explaining the different stages of human development and their behavior. However, there are several major differences between these two theories. Sigmund Freud is one of the most renowned psychologists of the 20th century. His theory of psychoanalytic perspective has a unique way of looking at the relationship between the body and the mind. According to Freud, a person is controlled by ID, Ego, and Superego (Schweitzer et al. 4).
The ID, Ego, and Superego work unconsciously to influence the decisions of individuals. The ID is responsible for the feeling of instant gratification. It is the part of the brain that seeks pleasure and avoids pain at all costs. The superego lies on the other end of the spectrum, and its role is to control the ID. The superego tries to ensure the ID follows the norms of the society and that no damage is caused (Schweitzer et al. 6). On the other hand, the ego lies between the ID and the superego, and it is meant to ensure a person can have pleasure without causing any damages.
Unlike psychoanalytic theory, behavioral theoretical perspectives claim that a person's behavior is formed as a result of interaction between the person and their environment. The theory is of the opinion that behaviors can be measurable or observed (Hagger and Weed 3).