Psychoanalysis From a Psychoanalytic Perspective, Term Paper

Humanistic

Humanistic psychology is primarily associated with existentialism and the belief in the innate goodness of all human beings. The concept of transpersonal psychology falls within this category, as it emphasizes personal experiences that transcend the typical human experiences, and enter a spiritual dimension. Transpersonal psychology shares the humanistic goal of "self-actualization" put forth by Abraham Maslow (1970). From Maslow's perspective, self-actualization is achieved when one has progressed through developmental stages that increase personal enlightenment and individuality with each step. Therefore, Lamanda would become self-actualized after progressing through the hierarchy that begins with basic needs such as shelter and sustenance, progresses through needs of safety, belonging and esteem, and ultimately ends up with reaching her full potential in both her career and her social life.

Carl Jung has also influenced the development of transpersonal psychology, not only because he coined the term "transpersonal" when referring to consciousness, but also because he emphasized the spiritual elements of psychology and the attainable goal of transcendence (Aronoff & Wilson, 1985). Jung's concept of the "collective unconscious" could be applied to an understanding of Lamanda's self-destructive behaviors in the sense that her personality development would be attributed to the manner in which others have treated and perceived her throughout her life.

Biological/Evolutionary

These theorists based their beliefs on Darwin's model of evolution, asserting that there is a distinct, unalterable biological base to human nature. Such theories today are considered highly speculative in that they tend to be equated with racism and elitism.However if they were to be applied to Lamanda's situation they would likely blame her lack of motivation and her depression on her racial makeup and her gender.

Sociocultural

Sociocultural theories assert that one's cultural background, in conjunction with societal mores, exert considerable influence over behavior. They focus on learning and motivation as they stem from interactions with society and how one "measures up" compared to others (Aronoff & Wilson, 1985). In Lamanda's case, her biracial status has affected her behaviors not only because of how she views herself, but how others view and treat her. Being teased as a child and finding it difficult to fit into either race is thus a product of societal and cultural prejudices.

References

Aronoff, J. & J.P. Wilson (1985) Personality in the social process, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates

Erikson E. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: Norton.

Goldstein, E.G. (1995). Ego psychology and social work practice. 2d ed. New York: Free Press.

Kohlberg, L. (1971). From is to ought. In T. Mischel (ed.), Cognitive development and epistemology. New York: Academic, pp. 151-165

Maslow, A.H. (1970). Motivation and personality (2nd edn.). New York: Harper & Row.

Piaget, J. (1963). Psychological intelligence. Patterson, N.J. Littlefield Adams Publishers

Scotton, B.W. Chinen, A.B. And Battista, J.R. (1996) Textbook of transpersonal psychiatry and psychology New York: Basic Books

Taylor, S.E. (2005) Health….....