By : Kadek Alit Purnawirawan, Guidance Counseling, Ganesha University of Education, Singaraja
FOREWORD
Personality theory and individual development are essential in understanding how we grow and change throughout our lives. There are many different theories, and each provides a unique perspective on how our personalities are formed and how we develop as individuals. For example, Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis emphasizes the importance of childhood experiences and how unresolved inner conflicts can affect our behavior and personality as adults. On the other hand, humanistic theories such as those put forward by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow emphasize growth and self-actualization, and how we strive to reach our full potential. These theories, and many others, provide a useful framework for understanding human behavior and developmental processes. However, it is important to remember that no single theory can explain all aspects of an individual’s personality and development. Every individual is unique, and their development is influenced by a combination of many different factors, including genetics, environment, and their life experiences.
DISCUSSION
Introduction to Personality Theory: Freud’s personality theory is famous for its structural concepts that include the id, ego, and superego. According to him, the id represents the basic desires and instincts arising from biological drives. The ego is the component that acts as an intermediary between the id and reality, while the superego is the internal moral rules derived from experience and culture. Freud also put forward the theory of psychosexual development, which states that humans go through a series of psychosexual stages during the development of their lives. These stages include oral,, phallic, latent, and genital. According to Freud, unbalanced development at these stages can result in psychological problems in the future. Individual Development in Freud’s Perspective: Personality and individual development according to Freud are strongly influenced by childhood experiences, both conscious and unconscious experiences. Traumatic scenes experienced in childhood are often ingrained in subconscious thoughts and emotions, and can affect behavior and thought patterns in adulthood. Freud also put forward the concept of ego defense which involves denial, repression, rationalization, and other defense mechanisms. This mechanism becomes a way for humans to protect themselves from anxiety associated with unconscious urges or unconscious internal conflicts. Freud also identified the complex concept of Oedipus in childhood. This concept explains when a son experiences feelings of jealousy towards his father and develops sexual desire towards his mother. Something similar can also happen to girls in the form of the Elektra complex. Freud argued that this complex is important in shaping gender identity and sexual behavior in adulthood. Criticism of Freud’s Theory: Although Freud’s theories made important contributions in our understanding of personality and individual development, some criticisms have been raised against his views. Some critics argue that Freud’s theories focus too much on the concept of sexuality and take into account the social and cultural factors that influence individual development. In addition, several new theories and views have also emerged after Freud, such as cognitive and humanistic theories, which emphasize the role of human thought, experience and freedom in the development of the individual.
CONCLUSION
In a uniquely human perspective, personality theory and individual development is a vast and complex field. Sigmund Freud’s contribution in understanding these aspects has provided an important foundation for further development in the field of psychology. Despite criticism and alternative thinking, an understanding of Freud’s legacy helps us see how complex human beings can be. A closer look at personality theory and individual development in this unique human perspective not only helps in understanding ourselves, but also in understanding others and the world around us.
REFERENCE SOURCE
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