Psychodynamic Psychology : Classical Theory and Contemporary Research

Of all the many approaches to psychology, the psychodynamic comes closest to what the layperson expects from psychology. It tackles issues central to human experience including how our relationship with our parents affects our adult relationships, why men and women are different and why we dream. The psychodynamic approach is also however the most misunderstood and misrepresented in psychology, and 'Freud-bashing' has become a popular academic sport. The aim of Psychodynamic Psychology is to cut through the dogma and to provide a clear and balanced review of the major psychodynamic theories and their practical applications. Beginning with a discussion of the history and current scope of the field, Jarvis sets out a reflective model for studying psychodynamics, showing how cognitive style, personal politics and biased cultural transmission inevitably colour students' perception of psychodynamic ideas. The work of some of the most important psychodynamic theorists is reviewed in detail, including that of Freud, Adler, Jung, Klein, Winnicott, Bowlby and Erikson. Each theory is discussed in the light of the latest research findings from psychology and its related disciplines, and a balanced picture of their strengths and weaknesses is presented. The major practical application of psychodynamic psychology has been the provision of psychological therapy. The processes and outcomes of psychodynamic therapies are discussed and a cautiously positive picture emerges.

Matt Jarvis is a Chartered Psychologist and currently teaches psychology at Totton College of Further & Higher Education, and is part-time Associate Lecturer of Southampton University.