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Karen J. Prager, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. Professor of Psychology and Program Head for Gender Studies Diplomate in Family Psychology The University of Texas at Dallas |
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More Information About Dr. Prager's work Processes in Couple Relationships Teaching and Professional Practice Selected Papers and Publications
For Students:
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Research Based on Neo-Freudian Theories
Anxiety & Coping Strategies Anxiety-avoidance: central to Freud's motivational theory. Did the neo-Freudians maintain this tenet in their theories? Freud believed that anxiety avoidance largely took place outside of consciousness, and involved the use of defense mechanisms. Did the neo-Freudians maintain this notion, or did they focus more on anxiety avoidance as a conscious strategy of the ego? A person’s coping style is ___________________________. Two types of coping styles are: I. Active: -- sensitizers II. Avoidant: -- repressors Active strategies can be cognitive or behavioral. Active cognitive strategies are: Active behavioral strategies are: Two potential foci for coping: I. Problem-focused: II. Emotion-focused: Effectiveness of Coping Are active or avoidance strategies more often helpful? When might avoidance strategies cause problems? When might avoidance strategies help? Attachment Style and Adult Relationships Object relations theory: a branch of neo-Freudian theory.I. Very interpersonal -- relationships are all important. II. Research supports this notion. A few tenets of object relations theory: 1. Infant experience, and parent-infant relationships, are crucial contributors to personality development. 2. Unconscious representations of self, parent, and relationship 3. "Working models" for future relationships Attachment theory Originated by John Bowlby Attachment relationships are?Developmental theory of attachment **Principle tenet: The quality of the parent-child attachment shapes the child’s adult personality and relationships. 1. Why are early relationships important?
Theory of adult attachment Secure, anxious-ambivalent, or avoidant orientations Adults' "working models" Romantic Relationships in Adulthood Romantic relationships = attachment relationships Attachment, divorce, & marital satisfaction Limitations of current knowledge Are "secure adult attachment styles" causes or effects of good romantic relationships? |