Schools of Thought in Psychology Debate

Question description

Table of Contents

In a well-written 10–12 page scholarly paper, address the following:

  • Begin with a discussion of the historical foundations of each school of thought: psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanism. Be sure to include a discussion of the following:
    • Historical underpinnings of each school of thought.
    • Major theorists within each school of thought.
    • Major concepts within each school of thought.
    • Bidirectional relationships between cultural and societal factors and each school of thought.
    • How did cultural and societal events of the time shape the development of this school of thought? How did this school of thought shape and influence societal thinking?

Paraphrase as much of the information that you learn from sources as possible rather than using direct quotes. Quotes should be used only occasionally. Cite and reference all sources of information you paraphrase or quote in your work.

Case Study

Apply the major concepts and theories from each school of thought to the following case study:

Judy is a 29-year-old single female. She has a very demanding, high stress job as a second-year medical resident in a large hospital. Judy has always been a high achiever. She graduated with top honors in both college and medical school. She has very high standards for herself and can be very self-critical when she fails to meet them. Lately, she has struggled with significant feelings of worthlessness and shame due to her inability to perform as well as she always has in the past.

Address the following in your paper:

  • How would a psychoanalyst explain what is happening here? How might a psychoanalyst explain Judy’s high standards and feelings of worthlessness and shame? How would a behaviorist explain what is happening here? How would a humanist explain what is happening here?
  • Compare and contrast the strengths and limitations pros and cons of each school of thought’s approach to our understanding of Judy’s this case. What unique perspective does each school of thought bring to the understanding? What are the limitations of each school of thought in understanding Judy’s case?
  • Select one school of thought (psychoanalysis, Behaviorism, Humanism) and present an argument as to why you think this school of thought would be the most appropriate in addressing the issues presented in the case study. Overall, which school of thought provides the best understanding of Judy’s case? Be sure to also discuss the limitations of the two schools you did not choose