Cognitive Psychology Comparison of Freud,

Cognitive Psychology

COMPARISON of FREUD, ROGERS & MASLOW

The different theories of famous psychologists Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow all can be used to interpret and analyze certain characteristics and human behavior. In the example provided, John's anxious, frustrated and overly critical behavior as well as his lack of self-discipline and failure to plan ahead can be analyzed to support different explanations under the theories of Freud, Rogers and Maslow. This paper will explain his behavior under the contrasting views of psychodynamic theory, humanistic theory and social cognitive learning theory.

Maslow's theory is a theory of human motivation, which centers on the theory of "physiological needs." Maslow believed that if left to their own devices, animals will tend to eat and drink things that are good for them, and consume them in balanced proportions, with basic food and shelter needs at the bottom, and self-actualization at the top. Maslow's theory hinged upon the notion of self-concept, and the basic core idea that anything that helps an individual develop a better sense of self will be motivating. As related to the theory of human motivation all people have a need or desire for a stable, formally based, high evaluation of themselves, for self-respect, self-esteem, and respect from others. By firmly-based self-esteem, Maslow's theory was that which is based upon real capacity, achievement and respect from others. Under Maslow's theory, John's behavior can best be explained as follows. He fails to plan ahead because such things fall to the bottom of his list of what is important. He is overly critical because he is constantly seeking a better sense of his own self, and through criticizing others, he is able to develop a better sense of his self-worth. H is excessively anxious and lacks self-discipline because he has a continuous desire to seek self-respect, self-esteem and respect from others, and is always working toward achieving this.

Unlike Maslow's theory, Roger's theory is a clinical theory, in which he states that organisms know what is good for them, and "positive regard" is highly valued. However, just like Maslow, Rogers is just as interested in describing the healthy person. Positive regard is self-esteem, self-worth, and a positive self-image which are achieved through experiencing the positive regard that others show us over our years of growing up; without this, we feel small and helpless. Under Roger's theory, this "small" and "helplessness" is exactly what John is feeling, most likely as a result of the manner in which he was treated growing up. He is feeling anxious and lacks self-discipline because he does not like himself personally, as he feels that he does not meet up to the standards set for him by others. Under Roger's theory, John's actions demonstrate that he does not have a positive image of himself, a result of low self-esteem inflicted on him over the years of receiving negative feedback while he was growing up.