All theories of Sigmund Freud

With the abundance of nursing theories throughout history. Two that inform mental health interventions include the psychodynamic theory. As well as the cognitive theory. Sigmund Freud, a theorist of psychodynamics. Developed a principle that states drive and desire may resemble the emotional motivational system. This would explain a system of behaviors related to the experience of basic emotions (Żechowski, 2017). Furthermore, the psychodynamic theory considers the emotional. And motivation systems with respect to mental disorders such as depression. Addiction, and psychosis, which if the main concept or psychoanalytical thinking (Żechowski, 2017). Obviously, the psychodynamic theory informs mental health interventions. In that it reflects emotional processes while also considering the effects on common mental disorders. Brain function is a very thorough process. Developing new knowledge regarding psychological models of brain function is vital to advance one’s understanding (Surbeck, Killeen, Vetter, & Hildebrandt, 2018). Not only does the psychodynamic theory represent emotional and motivational processes. It provides a basis that permits new discoveries resulting from these fundamentals of neuroscience (Surbeck et al., 2018). Freud’s psychodynamic theory includes subjects. Of the unconscious and how it relates to memories, suppression. Neuronal mechanisms of urges, and defense mechanisms (Surbeck et al., 2018). This theory focusing on psychoanalysis has the potential to further one’s knowledge regarding higher cognitive functions (Surbeck et al., 2018). One substantial asset of the psychodynamic theory is the emphasis on interpersonal and intrapersonal factors, beginning as early as during parent-child interactions and the emergence of unconscious motivations that may present in behavior across development (Alvarez-Monjaras, Mayes, Potenza, & Rutherford, 2019). Moreover, with a focus on mental health interventions. The psychodynamic theory advises that three factors can lead to addiction including underdeveloped ego-functions. And defense mechanisms. Failure in symbolization of the soothing qualities of internal objects. And a deviant positioning toward pleasure in the form of jouissance (Alvarez-Monjaras, 2019). On the other hand, the cognitive theory developed by Aaron Beck involves dysfunctional attitudes, cognitive errors, the negative cognitive triad, and negative autonomic thoughts (Pössel & Smith, 2019). When stressors are present, dysfunctional attitudes lead to cognitive errors, which then distort perceptions and thinking to become extreme (Pössel & Smith, 2019). Beck identified several cognitive errors including catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, personalizing, and selective abstraction (Pössel & Smith, 2019). The cognitive theory informs interventions in mental health because the negative automatic thoughts described can influence emotional, somatic, and motivational symptoms of depression (Pössel & Smith, 2019). In summary, Beck’s cognitive theory states that stressors. And cognitive vulnerability combined triggers the development of depressive symptoms (Pössel & Smith, 2019). The cognitive theory is integrated in many therapists’ practices by using intervention techniques based on changing cognitive constructs (Pössel & Smith, 2019). Furthermore, the cognitive theory leads to more effective therapeutic interventions (Pössel & Smith, 2019).

Similarities and Differences

The psychodynamic theory and the cognitive theory share similarities and differences. To begin, the two theories are noticeably important throughout nursing history. These theories have affected many nursing decisions and continue to do so today. Furthermore, the psychodynamic theory and the cognitive theory. Both inform mental health interventions due to the fact that both can in some way relate to mental disorders. Recognizing qualities of a theory and relating it to a specialty such as mental illness is crucial in this field. Nursing theories can be utilized in many fields. However, while these two theories focus on emotional and motivational aspectsk. As well as cognitive behaviors, connecting them to mental disorders if seamless. In contrast, the psychodynamic theory and cognitive theory have a few recognizable differences. Although both theories identify factors that lead to mental illness. The psychodynamic theory focuses more on the unconscious whereas the cognitive theory focuses on mental processes. With all things considered, the two theories share similarities and differences; however, they can both be useful in informing mental health interventions.

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