How psychoanalytic/psychodynamic concepts can be useful in social care practice
This essay will explore how can be useful in . I will evaluate two theorists and give examples of my own experience and including evidence from other findings. The theorists I plan to focus on are Freud and Jung. I will focus on Freuds theory on defence mechanisms and Jungs shadow theory.
Freuds theory of defence mechanisms has allowed me to deepen my understanding of human behaviour. Through my study of what defence mechanisms are, I have heightened my knowledge and awareness of human behaviour and understand that not everyone is as them seem. What you see on the surface is not always the true self and one may be using a defence mechanism to protect themselves. An Ego Defence mechanism is the theoretical term used to describe several phenomena utilized in order to repress anger or other feelings. This has also been named as Defence Mechanisms and Mental Mechanisms. (Cooney,M 2019) Freud listed the primary functions of a defence mechanism to be-
- minimize anxiety
- Protect the ego
- to maintain repression (Cooney,M 2019)
Freud asserts that repression is important as it prevents discomfort and it also leads to economy of time and effort. These psychological strategies are unconsciously used to protect a person from anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts or feelings.
Freud states that these thoughts are feelings are likely to be from certain situations during childhood. (Cooney,M 2019) In support of Freuds theory, I looked at articles on online that gave further evidence on defence mechanisms. The article was published on Simply Psychology by Saul McLeod. The article stated that these mechanisms operate at an unconscious level and help ward off unpleasant feelings or make good things feel better for the individual. This is useful framework for me to use as as it allows me to acknowledge that people may not realise, they are using a defence mechanism to protect themselves.
