PSY: Psychoanalysis, Behaviorism & Humanistic Psychology Movements

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the three major movements in psychology: psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanistic, transpersonal, and existential psychology (HTE). It delves into the historical context, rationale, and theoretical foundations of each movement, highlighting key figures like Sigmund Freud, Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Maslow, and Jung. The essay examines the tenets and concepts underlying each approach, exploring their applications in understanding human behavior, mental health, and personal development. It also synthesizes the movements, discussing their contributions to addressing mental ailments and comprehending human existence. The paper draws upon scholarly research to foster a deep understanding of these foundational theories and their impact on the field of psychology, with the aim of providing a rich historical perspective and a basis for understanding human experience.

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology
Name of the Student-
Name of the University-
Author note-

1PSYCHOLOGY
Introduction
Aiming to understand the various aspects related to the major developments in
psychology, this paper will endeavor to shed light on the major areas of the developments and
their impact upon the future endeavors. The following paragraphs will endeavor to argue for the
fact that the three major stages have influenced the overall development of the field of
psychology. The following paragraphs will delve deeper into the relevant theoretical foundations
and endeavor to relate them to the study of the human existence. The paper will also shed light
on the historical contexts of these three major movements related to psychology. The paper will
chiefly focus on the three movements, namely, psychoanalysis, behaviorism and Humanistic,
transpersonal and existential psychology.
1.
Historical Context
A closer examination of the three broad movements will unearth certain crucial ideas
related to the historical context of these demarcating movements. Recent studies reveal the idea
that the three movements are the result of various historical changes and movements in the field
of psychology (Buss, 2015). It can be traced that psychoanalysis is one of the most important
areas in the study of psychology. The historical context of ‘psychoanalysis’ can be traced in the
manner in which the notions and practices of psychology and psychiatry had developed after this
movement. The chief proponent of ‘psychoanalysis’, Sigmund Freud, had devised the theory and
therapeutic practice to analyze the unconscious, which is directly related to relieving the various
mental ailments (Bonomi, 2015). Psychoanalysis was practiced by Freud as a form of experiment
in 1890s (Maehle, 2014). The historical context of Psychoanalysis also points towards the idea

2PSYCHOLOGY
that Freud’s movement of psychoanalysis had been practiced by psychologists such as Lacan. It
is also seen that the practice of psychoanalysis has been segregated into various areas such as
interpersonal psychoanalysis, cultural psychoanalysis and feminist psychoanalysis (Cushman,
2015). The movement of behaviorism is also contextualized in history. The history of
behaviorism can be traced back to Pavlov’s experiment (Beck & Haigh, 2014). Pavlov’s
ideology was furthered by the psychological experiment of Watson and Rayner and ThornDike
(Nalliah & Idris, 2014). The historical context of behaviorism can be traced throughout the ages.
In the modern times, the aspect of behaviorism is applied in the cases of erasing phobia and in
applying the behavioral theory. The historical context of HTE Psychology or
Humansitic/Transpersonal and Existential Psychology can be traced in its rise in the middle of
20th century (Bland & DeRobertis , 2018). This movement served to fulfill the limitations of the
previous approaches and movement. Adopting a holistic approach, this movement had developed
to ensure a positive outlook of the clients. Carl Rogers was one of the founders of this
movement. Additionally, Jung can also be associated with existential and transpersonal
approaches.
2.
Rationale
One of the major rationale for employing the technique of psychoanalysis can be related
to its advantages. The rationale for psychoanalysis can be traced in its origins. This movement
was essential to gauge the various nuances of human behavior and existence (Beebe, 2017).
Psychoanalysis was chiefly centered on the notion of a refined and modern approach towards
issues of mental health. Historically, Freud believed that human pain and trauma can be reduced
by bringing the unconscious into the conscious state of existence. It is chiefly aimed at releasing

3PSYCHOLOGY
the suppressed emotions. Thus, it can be said that the rationale for using psychoanalysis lies in
the fact that it allows to study the interactions between the unconscious and the conscious mind
of human beings, paving the way for the study of human existence. The rationale for employing
behaviorism to study human behavior is relevant and justified because it allows the scope for the
collation of the approaches of philosophy, psychological and methodology (Baum, 2017). One of
the rationale for employing behaviorism is vested in the fact that it strives to observe the stimulus
and response mechanism related to human behavior. In the historical context, Pavlov had
observed the behavior of a dog in response to the stimulus of food. This can be incorporated in
the aspect of the study of human behavior. The rationale for employing Behaviorism in the study
of human behavior and psyche is justified in the influence of the external and environmental
factors in the human behavior.
The rationale for employing HTE approach to the study of human psychology is justified
in the manner in which it allows an in-depth analysis of the various nuances of human
consciousness as well as development. The rationale for HTE approach also lies in the fact that
transpersonal psychology is also based on the idea of the inherent presence of human potential.
In the current scenario, the application of this approach can ensure the correct study of human
psyche.
3.
Analysis
A closer examination of the psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories and practices
will reveal that psychoanalysis is one of the most essential theories that are available for
understanding human behavior. The main tenets of these theories points towards the personal
development of human beings that depends upon the old as well as forgotten events. The second

4PSYCHOLOGY
tenet is that the development of human beings also depend on the repressed as well as instinctive
drives of human beings. The third tenet is based on the most important idea that the various
conflicts between the conscious and unconscious results in various mental disorders. A closer
look at the Psychodynamic theory reveals that in order to cure patients through psychoanalysis, it
is essential to include psychodynamic treatments. This theory is based on the tenet that human
behavior is the result of the unconscious. This theory is based on the perspective that the mental
disorders and the external behavior of human beings depends on the interactions amongst the id,
ego and superego of the human mind. This theory is also based on the perspective that these
interactions can influence the human perceptions and perspectives.
Sigmund Freud is the main proponent of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories.
Additionally, these theories have been adopted and modified by later psychologists such as Jung
and Erikson.
Their works and experiments had paved the way for the later works and contributed in
the development of Neo-Freudian ideologies. Neo-Freudian ideologies focusses upon the
expansion of the ideas of Freud in social and cultural facets. The proponents have strived to
develop the theories of Freud (Richards, 2015). It can be said that the ideas of Freud had
contributed in the development of ‘Neo-Freudianism’ which is a critical and enhanced version of
the original theory.
4.
Behaviorism
The practice and theory of behaviorism in psychology is based on certain theoretical
foundations. The theory of ‘behaviorism’ propounds that behavioral psychology is one of the

5PSYCHOLOGY
theories of learning. The theoretical practice of operant conditioning and classical conditioning
are also applicable. It is based on the theoretical foundation of the observable nature of human
beings, which in turn determines their behavior and intrinsic psychology (Glenn et al., 2016).
The behavioral aspect of psychology is also based on certain tenets and perspectives. The chief
tenet of ‘behaviorism’ is that human behavior and psychology can be determined through the
response to the external stimulus. The second tenet is that human beings are born as naïve
individuals, who are conditioned by the various external and social factors. The third tenet is that
it is chiefly focused upon the external behavior and reactions of human beings.
These tenets and concepts are integral to the development of the theories of psychology.
These tenets and concepts of ‘behaviorism’ can be applied even in the aspects of ‘teaching and
‘learning’ processes (Lane & Harris, 2015). The behavioral theory of learning focusses on the
repetition of activities for learning. Thus, these tenets are important and applicable in learning
theories. These tenets and concepts are important to learn about the various human traits related
to behaviorism. Recent studies reveal that the study of behaviorism ensures a proper
understanding of the various responses in response to the stimulus.
The key proponents of ‘behaviorism’ in psychology are Watson and Skinner. Though this
theory is chiefly focused on the behavioral experiments of Pavlov, this movement has been
developed and practiced by Watson and Skinner.
5.
Analysis of HTE
It is seen that the humanistic, transpersonal and existential psychology is contextualized
in history. The historical context of the movement is based on the works of Maslow (Bouzenita,

6PSYCHOLOGY
& Boulanouar, 2016). The socio-cultural movement for searching for philosophical and spiritual
meaning of human existence and life had resulted in the development of the movement. The
development of this movement can be traced back to the Greek history and Greek events.
The primary tenets and concepts of this movement is based on the ideas that relate to the
positive and widespread overview of the world. The first tenet and concept of this movement is
that this movement focusses on healing the patients through their ability to perceive the world in
positive and humanistic manner. The second tenet is that this movement is based on the idea of
the provision of a holistic approach towards the human existence.
These tenets and concepts were important because they helped in understanding the
holistic view of the world that had been wracked by various happenings. These tenets had also
assisted in opening the various avenues for gauging the human psyche in a comprehensive
manner. The concepts also broadened the perception related to the various nuances of human
existence throughout the ages. It also helped in understanding the presence of the self-awareness
and self-examination of human beings (MacIntyre & Mercer, 2014).
The key pioneers of this concept can be traced in the historical context. The chief
pioneers were Maslow and Jung. It is also seen that over the ages, the concepts have been
modified. It is seen that in the modern age, the concepts of humanistic psychology has included
the notion of psychologists to encourage their patients to look for the traits of individual
personalities and strengths. While Jung had emphasized upon the validity of spiritual experience,
psychologists such as Carl Rogers emphasized upon the developed form of the client based
clinical approach of the humanistic, transpersonal and existential movement in psychology.
6.

7PSYCHOLOGY
Synthesis
It can be said that these three movements have strived to understand the various nuances
of human psychology and temperaments. The collated approach of the above-mentioned
movements have ensured the psychologists to address the various mental ailments and to trace
the exact cause of the mental disruptions. In addition to this, these movements have also assisted
in the proper comprehension of the human existence. Recent studies are emblematic of the fact
that it is crucial to incorporate the tenets of psychology and to read and erase the psychic
aberrations. These movements have developed the understanding of human growth throughout
the ages.
The first movement of psychoanalysis broadened the understanding of the human psychic
growth and development. The aspect of the interrelation of the three layers of the human mind
justifies the intrinsic behavior of human beings that are directed and shaped by the unconscious.
This movement also stressed upon the idea of curing patients by bringing the unconscious into
the conscious. This had helped in gauging the development of the human brain. The gradual
growth of the human psyche is captured by the behavioral approach that reflects the response of
human beings. This movement helped in gauging the exact nature and reasons of human
reactions. The third movement helped in understanding the evolution of the human psyche. As
opposed to the other two movements, HTE harped upon the power of the human mind to trace
the intrinsic positive strengths and abilities.
7.

8PSYCHOLOGY
Theories and Applications
These movements are based on theoretical foundations. The applications of these theories
in the practice of the movements have helped in the proper practice and implementation.
These three movements have also served to enlist as well as differentiate the various
tenets and aspects related to the human mind. While the first major theory of ‘psychoanalysis’
had strived to enlist and project the controversial interrelations amongst the id, ego and superego,
the theory of behaviorism served to establish the interrelation between the external stimulus and
the intrinsic behavioral traits (Siegfried, 2014). On the other hand, it is also seen that the third
theory of HTE psychology served to shed light on the post-modern concept of ‘positive
psychology’ (MacIntyre & Mercer, 2014). This movement emphasized upon a holistic approach
towards the curing of patients. The HTE movement also strived to delve deeper into the study of
human mind that is related to the generation of comprehensive understanding of the potential and
ability of self-awareness. Unlike the approach of behaviorism, this movement focused on the
internal workings of the mind and the need to search for solutions in the very self.
The applications of these theories can be traced in the manner in which these theories
have enabled to address the needs of the patients. For instance, the resurgence of the
‘unconscious’ into the ‘conscious’ is effective in relieving various traumas (Ringel, 2014). The
applicable theory of behaviorism can help in gauging the responses to stressful stimuli. The HTE
theory is also applicable in treating various kinds of anxiety issues.
8.

9PSYCHOLOGY
Steps
The next steps that lies ahead is the development of neuroscience in the study and
addressing the needs of various patients affected by mental ailments. The future step in
psychology also depends on the development of the cognitive aging research.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the three movements in psychology have helped in
understanding the tenets of psychology. It can also be concluded that these movements have
helped in understanding human nature.

10PSYCHOLOGY
References
Baum, W. M. (2017). Understanding behaviorism: Behavior, culture, and evolution. John Wiley
& Sons.
Beck, A. T., & Haigh, E. A. (2014). Advances in cognitive theory and therapy: the generic
cognitive model. Annual review of clinical psychology, 10, 1-24.
Beebe, B. (2017, August). My journey in infant research and psychoanalysis: Microanalysis, a
social microscope. In Moments of Meeting in Psychoanalysis (pp. 13-44). Routledge.
Bland, A. M., & DeRobertis, E. M. (2018). Humanistic perspective. Encyclopedia of personality
and individual differences, 1-19.
Bonomi, C. (2015). The cut and the building of psychoanalysis, Volume I: Sigmund Freud and
Emma Eckstein. Routledge.
Bouzenita, A. I., & Boulanouar, A. W. (2016). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: An Islamic
critique. Intellectual Discourse, 24(1).
Buss, D. (2015). Evolutionary psychology: The new science of the mind. Psychology Press.
Cushman, P. (2015). Relational psychoanalysis as political resistance. Contemporary
Psychoanalysis, 51(3), 423-459.
Glenn, S. S., Malott, M. E., Andery, M. A. P. A., Benvenuti, M., Houmanfar, R. A., Sandaker, I.,
... & Vasconcelos, L. A. (2016). Toward consistent terminology in a behaviorist approach
to cultural analysis. Behavior and Social issues, 25, 11-27.

11PSYCHOLOGY
Lane, E. S., & Harris, S. E. (2015). A new tool for measuring student behavioral engagement in
large university classes. Journal of College Science Teaching, 44(6), 83-91.
MacIntyre, P. D., & Mercer, S. (2014). Introducing positive psychology to SLA. Studies in
Second Language Learning and Teaching, 4(2), 153-172.
Maehle, A. H. (2014). The powers of suggestion: Albert Moll and the debate on
hypnosis. History of psychiatry, 25(1), 3-19.
Nalliah, S., & Idris, N. (2014). Applying the learning theories to medical education: A
commentary. educational psychology, 1(2), 3.
Richards, A. (2015). Psychoanalysis in crisis: The danger of ideology. The Psychoanalytic
Review, 102(3), 389-405.
Ringel, S. (2014). An integrative model in trauma treatment: Utilizing eye movement
desensitization and reprocessing and a relational approach with adult survivors of sexual
abuse. Psychoanalytic Psychology, 31(1), 134.
Siegfried, W. (2014). The Formation and Structure of the Human Psyche. Athena Noctua:
Undergraduate Phylosopy Journal, 1-3.