Evaluating Psychoanalytical Theory

Freud’s psychoanalytical theory assumes that unconscious thoughts, feelings, and desires play a vitally important role in determining human thought and behavior, as well as mental health. It points out that these unconscious motivations come to light through defense mechanisms, slips of the tongue, and transference in therapy, which are often rooted in early childhood experiences. Psychoanalytic theory suggests that human motivation is unconscious and is based on wishes and ideas that have been defended against and are retrievable only through psychoanalysis (Franklin & Jordan, 2024). This theoretical perspective seeks to uncover repressed emotions to treat mental illness more comprehensively: Evaluating Psychoanalytical Theory.

Applying psychoanalytic theory to women and racial and ethnic minority groups raises essential concerns. The theory was developed from a Eurocentric, patriarchal perspective and usually overlooks cultural, social, and structural issues for less privileged populations. Several psychoanalytic ideas have been normed on Western middle-class populations. Therefore, they may not apply or be appropriate when working with a culturally diverse client (Martin, 2025).

For instance, the focus on the internal conflict may be inattentive toward a racialized system of oppression or gender domination. Culturally appropriate methods must be used to maintain relevance and not perpetuate bias or stereotypes. Consequently, psychoanalytic theory is helpful but must be used cautiously and with modification.

Psychoanalytic theory partially aligns with social work values and ethics, with most theoretical directives centered on understanding the client’s internal experiences and building a strong therapeutic relationship. However, the theory’s historical stance of neutrality and the lack of an environmental focus may be at odds with the profession’s commitment to social justice and a person-in-environment perspective. Social work values of self-determination, client cultural competence, and systemic inequity are relevant.

While the theory offers valuable perspectives for understanding human behavior, its compatibility with social work favors some level of socialization between the theory and broader, strengths-based, and contextually human approaches to sustain the profession’s fundamental ethical practices.

References

Franklin, C., & Jordan, C. (2024). Turner’s social work treatment (7th ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780197678046

Martin, K. (2025). The individual and society in psychotherapy: Reflections from anthropology. European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642537.2025.2459375

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Overview:

** Review the Learning Resources from this week, and focus on psychoanalytic theory and the critical responses to it.

• Textbook: Turner’s Social Work Treatment (See RDP Logins to Access the Textbook)
  • Chapter 4, “Attachment Theory” (pp. H29–H38)
  • Chapter 2, “Psychoanalytic Theory” (pp. H15–H19)

Introduction:

**Sigmund Freud is often hailed as the father of psychoanalytical theory. His theory was the first to point to the influence of early childhood experiences. However, psychoanalytical theory has received a lot of criticism. Although theories are supposed to be objective and value-free, they are developed within a sociocultural and political context.

Evaluating Psychoanalytical Theory

For example, with historical perspective, it is possible to see that values within the Western Victorian era influenced Freud as he developed his theory. Another criticism is that many psychoanalytical concepts cannot be measured. For example, how do you measure the id, ego, and superego or the notion of unconscious conflicts? As a result, it is difficult to test the accuracy of these concepts using social science research methods.

It is important to critically evaluate theories for their practical use. For example, is it appropriate to use a theory when working with diverse populations or with populations different from those with whom the theory was normed (e.g., women, racial and ethnic minority groups, those who are economically disadvantaged)? Finally, are the assumptions of theories consistent with the values underlying the field? In this Discussion, you respond to some of these concerns.

DISCUSSION QUESTION:

• *Summarize the assumptions of Freud’s psychoanalytical theory in 2–3 sentences.
• *Explain whether you believe it is appropriate to apply psychoanalytic theory to women and individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups.
• *Explain whether you believe psychoanalytic theory is consistent with social work values and social work ethics.