Psychoanalytic, behavioral, and cognitive approaches to Lamanda's depression

Psychoanalysis

From a psychoanalytic perspective, Lamanda is suffering from ego identity confusion (Erikson, 1968) that is manifesting itself in symptoms of depression, marked by a lack of interest, anxiety and social isolation. Her ego identity confusion is primary rooted in her biracial status (half African-American and half Caucasian) and also slightly by her experimentation with bisexuality and her transition from being unattractive to attractive.

In its clinical sense, ego psychology is most often associated with Sigmund Freud, who developed the theory of the id, the ego and the superego. Repression also plays a major role in psychoanalytic theory (Goldstein, 1995). Lamanda may be repressing the anger she has about being teased in school for being biracial, about a much older authority figure making sexual advances toward her, and resentment towards her parents for subjecting her to the difficulties of being an interracial child. Repressed anger can manifest itself in the types of symptoms of depression that Lamanda is exhibiting.

Behavioral

In the vein of behavioral theories, Lamanda's depression is part of a stimulus-response process that can be redirected by altering her reactions to stimuli (Taylor, 2005). For example, by altering her behavior and applying for jobs that she is worthy of and will enjoy, Lamanda will be taking steps towards eliminating the anxiety associated with her waitress job. From a behavioral perspective, there is no need to analyze why Lamanda has chosen destructive behaviors; she simply needs to change those behaviors in order for her life and well-being to improve (Taylor, 2005).

Additionally, through classical conditioning, a concept developed by Ivan Pavlov, Lamanda's behaviors can be changed by providing a stimulus that is associated with positive behaviors. For example, if she rewards herself with a day off of her waitress job for every five "better" jobs she applies for, she will be more likely to apply for more jobs and eventually obtain one.

Humanistic

Humanistic psychology is primarily associated with existentialism and the belief in the innate goodness of all human beings. The concept of transpersonal psychology falls within this category, as it emphasizes personal experiences that transcend the typical human experiences, and enter a spiritual dimension. Transpersonal psychology shares the humanistic goal of "self-actualization" put forth by Abraham Maslow (1970). From Maslow's perspective, self-actualization is achieved when one has progressed through developmental stages that increase personal enlightenment and individuality with each step. Therefore, Lamanda would become self-actualized after progressing through the hierarchy that begins with basic needs such as shelter and sustenance, progresses through needs of safety, belonging and esteem, and ultimately ends up with reaching her full potential in both her career and her social life.

Carl Jung has also influenced the development of transpersonal psychology, not only because he coined the term "transpersonal" when referring to consciousness, but also because he emphasized the spiritual elements of psychology and the attainable goal of transcendence (Aronoff & Wilson, 1985). Jung's concept of the "collective unconscious" could be applied to an understanding of Lamanda's self-destructive behaviors in the sense that her personality development would be attributed to the manner in which others have treated and perceived her throughout her life.

Biological/Evolutionary

These theorists based their beliefs on Darwin's model of evolution, asserting that there is a distinct, unalterable biological base to human nature. Such theories today are considered highly speculative in that they tend to be equated with racism and elitism. However if they were to be applied to Lamanda's situation they would likely blame her lack of motivation and her depression on her racial makeup and her gender.

Sociocultural

Sociocultural theories assert that one's cultural background, in conjunction with societal mores, exert considerable influence over behavior. They focus on learning and motivation as they stem from interactions with society and how one "measures up" compared to others (Aronoff & Wilson, 1985). In Lamanda's case, her biracial status has affected her behaviors not only because of how she views herself, but how others view and treat her. Being teased as a child and finding it difficult to fit into either race is thus a product of societal and cultural prejudices.