Psychodynamic Model

• Psychodynamic explanations of EDs:– Some support, mainly from studies of women

abused in childhood– However, not all abuse survivors develop EDs,

and not all ED sufferers have been abused– Many aspects difficult to test e.g. unconscious

motives, repressed memories etc.

www.

psyc

hlot

ron.

org.

uk

Psychodynamic Model

• Issues for evaluation:– Testability – Evidence– Blame

www.

psyc

hlot

ron.

org.

uk

Psychodynamic Model

• Testability– The model relies heavily on ideas and

constructs whose existence is difficult to test.

• However– That doesn’t mean that it is necessarily wrong,

we just don’t know how to test it.

www.

psyc

hlot

ron.

org.

uk

Psychodynamic Model

• Evidence– Lots of evidence from clinical case studies

links childhood trauma with adult psychological problems

• However– Much of the evidence is retrospective – difficult

to validate and possibly unreliable

www.

psyc

hlot

ron.

org.

uk

Psychodynamic Model

• Blame– The psychodynamic model tends to put the

blame for psychological disorders on the parents of sufferers. This might be considered unfair.

• However– As scientists we should not avoid saying

something just because people’s feelings might get hurt – we should follow the truth

www.

psyc

hlot

ron.

org.

uk