humanistic Psychodynamic Biological
Views on
development
Sees the development
as ongoing throughout
a childs life, the childs
relationship with its
parents its seen to be
a key determinant of
psychological health.
Presents the most
coherent theory of
development, tying it
concepts and
processes to specific
psychosexual stages
by age.
Maturation is an
important principle
within the approach,
whereby genetically
determined changes
in a childs
physiological status
influence physiological
and behavioural
characteristics.
Nature vs nurture Nature, regards
parents, friends and
wider society as
having a critical
impact on the persons
self- concept.
Although Freud
thought that much our
behaviour was
determined by
biological drives and
instincts he also saw
the importance in
relationships with
parents in
development.
Nature. The biological
approach argues from
a position that
anatomy is destiny
and behaviour is a
result of a genetic
blueprint that we
inherit from our
parents.
reductionism Formulates a holistic
approach to
understanding human
behaviour. This
involves investigating
every aspect of the
individual.
Reduces much of our
behaviour to sexual
drives and biological
instincts.
It explains behaviour
and psychological
states at the level of
the gene or neuron.
determinism Stands alone in that in
its assertion that
human beings have
free will and operate
as active agents who
determine their own
development.
Psychic determinism is
a key feature of the
psychodynamic
approach, insofar as
we cannot know the
unconscious forces
that drive our
behaviour, and that
these are rationalised
by our conscious
thought.
Advocates a form of
genetic determinism
in its assumption that
our behaviour is
determined by our
innate factors.
Explanation and
treatment of
abnormal behaviour
Humanistic therapy
based on Rogers
philosophy that
closing the gap
between self- concept
and ideal self will
stimulate personal
growth.
Psychoanalysis has
had some success but
is not for everyone
because it requires a
considerable input
from the patient.
Drug therapy, which
regulates chemi...
