evaluation

Question 1

what are the strengths of the approach?

Answer 1

• first theory to focus on psychological causes of disorders
• also one of the first approaches to suggest that mental health disorders may be linked to unresolved conflicts relating to biological needs
• offers methods of therapy
• freuds theory places emphasis on how experiences in early childhood can affect later development

Question 2

what are the weaknesses of the approach?

Answer 2

• freuds claims are based on his subjective interpreations of his patients dreams therefore are unreliable and open to bias
• freuds theories are related to the unconscious mind which cant be accessed - theories are unfalsifiable
• the focus is on the patients past rather than the problems they are currently suffering
• approach is based on case studies of people in distress so therefore findings cant be generalised