Theory Compare and Contrast

The two personality theories I have selected to compare and contrast are psychodynamic and learning theories. I believe both theories are interesting. I will enjoy comparing and contrasting the two theories. Although both theories cover a wide spectrum of ideas, concepts and beliefs I have only selected a few to compare and contrast.

The psychodynamic theory is comprised of several theories brought forth by Sigmund Freud. In Freud’s opinion and research the many theories that make up the psychodynamic theory are what establish one’s behavior. The result(s) of turmoil within oneself are how psychodynamics are viewed. Psychodynamic theorist stress that there are sexual drives, morals, social rules, and customs at the root of how an individual behaves or responds to various situations. The learning theory states behaviors are not a result of inner struggle or turmoil, but learned behavior from one’s surroundings and environment. The learning theory embraces the ideas and concepts of repeated stimulation, acts, rewards, punishments and the like teach an individual how to respond, act or suppress,. With learned behavior an individual can exhibit a specific behavior or response based on the feeling or act the reward brings. The mere thought of a reward or pleasure brings a physical or mental response. A sound or visual effect can also bring the same behavior or personality forth with the learning theory.

Sigmund Freud described the mind as an iceberg; only a small portion of the mind showing just above the surface, while larger chunks of the mind are below the surface attempting to control and balance what is on the surface. The unconscious mind is at the very bottom, the preconscious in the middle and the conscious part of the mind above the surface. An example of attempting to control behavior at the surface, the preconscious may repress memories of an intrusive, violent and sexually assaultive childhood into the teens.

The preconscious represses the traumatic events in order to protect the mind from further harm; or, until the individual is mentally stable to face or address every moment of the traumatic events. Although some