Abstract The paper begins by explaining what the ego psychology theory is and who the main theorists were behind its development. A history of its development is provided as well as a study of the primary components of the theory. The writer then looks at how the theory can be applied to human behavior and development. Criticisms of ego psychology are discussed and the paper concludes with how human behavior can be better understood with the theory.
Paper Outline
Theorists of Ego Psychology
Development of Ego Psychology
Primary Components of Ego Psychology Theory
Ego Psychology Applied to Human Behavior and Development
Strengths of Ego Psychology Theory
Criticisms of Ego Psychology Theory
Understanding Human Behavior through Ego Psychology Theory
References
From the Paper "Ego psychology comes under the neo-analytic theory. Neo-analytic theory recasts and broadens psychoanalytic theory by underplaying sexuality, and by underplaying the significance of the unconscious. Instead it highlights the role of the ego. There are some neo-analytic theorists who concentrate on the process of the ego, while some concentrate on how the ego relates with and is influenced by other individuals or society or culture. Freud thought that the main job of ego was to intervene among the id, superego and external realism. Ego psychologists vary from Freud by stating that: The ego is concerned in adjustment, i.e. that the aim of behavior is adjustment to the surroundings and that the ego is powerfully concerned; and that the ego prevails from birth. Based on Freud's early works, a number of famous ego psychologists have done their works, but with a better and diverse prominence on ego. These ego psychologists can all be categorized as Neo-analysts. Examples are: Adler; Erikson; Freud; Hartmann; Loevinger and White. (Major Neoanalytic Theories & Theorists)"
