opinions or critique's on the psychoanalytic theory?

Question

I have a paper due in psychology critiquing this theory, why I agree/disagree. Just need some insight.

Answer 1

Lots of criticisms listed in the Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoanalysis#Criticisms

Most of the criticisms, however, tend to be based on earlier models of psychoanaltyic theory.

Recent scholarship, particularly psychoanallytic feminism has come a long way and actually can be seen to hold keys to addressing the problems of the world through its focus on desire and how desire can be nurtured and transformed towards life-giving, life sustaining ways of being/becoming.

Jane Flax writes, "Both psychoanalysis and postmodernism have much to contribute to feminist discourses. Psychoanalytic theories of the constitution of femininity can increase our awareness of gender-based distortions and repressions within feminist theories. Postmodernist philosophies can make us more critical of our epistemological presuppositions"

You might look at the writings of Julia Kristeva, Luce Irigary, Jane FlaxGrace Jantzen to name a few.

Answer 2

There is much to admire and critical of psychoanalytic theory. I think that some of the arguments that I have heard about it are that it does not stand up to scientific scutiny, it cannot be measured or validated because it deals with the unconscious process (id, ego, superego); they are virtually impossible to measure. Second, some people have argued that Freud focused too much on sex and also did not focus enough on women's development. Third, it was claimed that he did not do enough to report instances of abuse with the women that he had treated for "hysteria". Basically, there was a lot of abuse perpetrated on these women by their fathers, however, Freud did not say anything due to the fact that these men were aristrocrats and had lots of money, Freud would have been ruined financially and professionally. Now, some positive things about psychoanalysis. First, it does open up a new world of thought into the unconscious and gets people to look at some important core issues which should be addressed. Second, it can create a comforting and nuturing therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the client, many client's have never had people whom they could trust, this is very important. Lastly, psychoanalysis works towards a "emotionally corrective experience" where a person is able to negotiate repressed memories by way of interpretation of unconscious transference material. I don't know a whole lot more about psychoanalysis, it can be helpful for some ( I feel that it has some benefit for the right individual), other's will find it nothing more than psychobabble, hope that this helps.

Answer 3

I think that the agree side is the more favorable personally. Our subconcious can reveal alot through psychoanalysm. Freud was a genius.

Answer 4

Unfortuantly, it's debatable. Some are in favor of it, and some are against it. Do you know where it origonated? (Freud)