Introduction
This essay aims to compare two foundational psychological theories, Behaviorism and Psychoanalysis, with a focus on identifying two significant similarities between them. Both theories have profoundly shaped the field of psychology, offering distinct perspectives on human behaviour and mental processes. Behaviorism, primarily associated with John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, emphasises observable actions and environmental stimuli as determinants of behaviour. Psychoanalysis, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, delves into the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts. Despite their apparent differences, this essay argues that both theories share a deterministic view of human behaviour and a therapeutic focus on altering maladaptive patterns. Through critical analysis and reference to academic sources, the essay explores these similarities while acknowledging the broader context of their contributions to psychological thought.
Deterministic View of Human Behaviour
One notable similarity between Behaviorism and Psychoanalysis is their shared deterministic perspective on human behaviour. Behaviorism posits that actions are shaped by external stimuli and reinforcement, suggesting that individuals respond predictably to environmental factors. For instance, Skinner’s experiments with operant conditioning demonstrated how rewards and punishments influence behaviour (Skinner, 1953). Similarly, Psychoanalysis holds that behaviour is determined by unconscious drives, early childhood experiences, and repressed conflicts. Freud argued that much of human action stems from unresolved issues in the unconscious, which exert a powerful influence beyond conscious control (Freud, 1923). Although their causal explanations differ—Behaviorism focusing on observable factors and Psychoanalysis on internal processes—both reject the notion of free will in favour of deterministic frameworks. This shared stance reflects a broader aim to predict and understand behaviour through systematic, albeit contrasting, lenses. Arguably, this determinism underpins their respective therapeutic approaches, as both assume that identifying causal factors can lead to change.
Therapeutic Focus on Altering Maladaptive Patterns
A second significant similarity lies in the therapeutic emphasis both theories place on altering maladaptive behaviours or thought patterns. Behaviorism gave rise to behaviour modification techniques, such as systematic desensitisation, which address problematic behaviours through conditioning. For example, phobias are treated by gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli while pairing them with positive reinforcement (Watson, 1924). Likewise, Psychoanalysis seeks to resolve internal conflicts and maladaptive patterns through techniques like free association and dream analysis, aiming to bring unconscious issues into conscious awareness for resolution (Freud, 1915). While Behaviorism targets observable behaviours and Psychoanalysis focuses on underlying mental processes, both approaches ultimately strive to improve psychological well-being by addressing dysfunction. Indeed, this shared therapeutic intent highlights their relevance to applied psychology, even if their methods diverge significantly. Furthermore, both have inspired modern therapeutic practices, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, which often integrates elements of each.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite their contrasting foundations, Behaviorism and Psychoanalysis share important similarities in their deterministic views of human behaviour and their therapeutic focus on altering maladaptive patterns. Both theories assert that behaviour is shaped by forces beyond immediate control—whether environmental stimuli or unconscious drives—and both prioritise interventions to improve mental health. These commonalities underscore their enduring impact on psychology, particularly in therapeutic contexts. However, their differences in methodology and focus remind us of the diverse ways psychological phenomena can be explored. Reflecting on these similarities offers valuable insight into the complementary nature of psychological theories, suggesting that integrating perspectives could enhance our understanding of complex human behaviour. Generally, such comparisons remain essential for students and practitioners alike, as they illuminate the multifaceted nature of the discipline.
References
- Freud, S. (1915) The Unconscious. Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIV. Hogarth Press.
- Freud, S. (1923) The Ego and the Id. Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIX. Hogarth Press.
- Skinner, B.F. (1953) Science and Human Behavior. Macmillan.
- Watson, J.B. (1924) Behaviorism. University of Chicago Press.
