Open AccessPsychodynamic Theory
Author(s) -
Kathleen Holtz Deal
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
advances in social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2331-4125
pISSN - 1527-8565
DOI - 10.18060/140
Subject(s) - psychodynamics , relational theory , object relations theory , psychology , social work , psychodynamic psychotherapy , focus (optics) , object (grammar) , personality psychology , attachment theory , psychotherapist , epistemology , personality , sociology , psychoanalytic theory , social psychology , computer science , political science , philosophy , physics , optics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , law
Psychodynamic theory, a theory of personality originated by Sigmund Freud, has a long and complex history within social work and continues to be utilized by social workers. This article traces the theory’s development and explains key concepts with an emphasis on its current relational focus within object relationstheory and self-psychology. Empirical support for theoretical concepts and the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapies is reviewed and critiqued. Future directions are discussed, including addressing cultural considerations, increasing research, andemphasizing a relational paradigm