Question

1. Discuss two aspects of Freud’s theory that continue to contribute to modern psychological theories and research (i.e., two advantages to the psychoanalytic perspective). Next, discuss two limitations of Freud’s theory.

Answer 1

Freud was among the first theorists to emphasise the role of unconscious forces and conflicts in determining an individual’s behaviour and personality. In addition, he was also the forerunner in the formal study of dreams, emphasising on its nature, significance and interpretation. However, some criticisms with respect to his work are also raised. Firstly, his theoretical perspective places an undue emphasis on sexuality as the driving force of human development. In addition, many of the conclusions he drew were based on a select number of case studies, thereby putting into question its scientific reliability and validity. Despite these limitations, his contribution to the discipline is immense and is still taken into consideration in the theories and research of psychology to this date.