Asked by Dontazsha Brown on May 11, 2024

verifed

Verified

Describe two major differences between psychoanalytic theory and social learning theory.

Psychoanalytic Theory

A body of theories originating from Sigmund Freud, which posits that human behavior is deeply influenced by unconscious motives and conflicts.

Social Learning Theory

A theory that proposes individuals learn behaviors, values, and attitudes through observation, imitation, and modeling from others within their culture or environment.

  • Understand the diverse outcomes of socialization and its critical function within society.
  • Examine and differentiate between key theoretical frameworks in sociology concerning the process of socialization.
verifed

Verified Answer

TA
Trevor AlexisMay 12, 2024
Final Answer :
One major difference between psychoanalytic theory and social learning theory is their focus on the development of personality. Psychoanalytic theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping personality. It suggests that unresolved conflicts and experiences from childhood can influence an individual's behavior and personality traits. In contrast, social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura, focuses on the impact of social and environmental factors on the development of personality. It suggests that individuals learn through observation, imitation, and reinforcement from their social environment, including family, peers, and media.

Another major difference between the two theories is their approach to understanding and treating psychological disorders. Psychoanalytic theory places a strong emphasis on the role of the unconscious mind and the use of techniques such as free association and dream analysis to uncover repressed thoughts and emotions. It also emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. In contrast, social learning theory focuses on the role of learning and behavior in the development and treatment of psychological disorders. It emphasizes the use of behavior modification techniques, such as modeling and reinforcement, to change maladaptive behaviors and promote healthier patterns of thinking and acting. Overall, while both theories offer valuable insights into human behavior and development, they differ in their underlying assumptions and approaches to understanding and addressing psychological issues.