Assignment 1/ Modern Psychodynamic Approaches and Diverse Client Populations

Ego Psychology Theory Paper Student Name Name of Program, Name of School Course Code: Course Name Course Instructor Assignment Due Date Primary Aspects of Ego Psychology Ego psychology is a psychoanalytic theory that can be applied to delineate the role of ego in mental functioning and personality development. It mainly focuses on the importance of the rational conscious aspect of the mind in mediating between the id (primitive instinctual drives) and the superego (internalized societal and moral standards). Its adherents focus on the standard and pathological developments of the ego, the management of aggressive and libidinal impulses, and how it is adapted to reality (Freud & Strachey, 2024). Individuals may employ defense tactics like repression, denial, or rationalization to cope with situations that pose psychological distress to them. Ego psychology is seen in contemporary society when individuals unconsciously exclude thoughts that make them anxious, attribute their unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others, create logical explanations or justifications to mask their destructive behaviors, and redirect unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable pursuits. Therapists utilize ego psychology to allow clients to open up about their internal struggles, guide them toward accepting their battles, and help them understand how they affect their daily activities. The ability of this theory to strengthen ego adaptive capacity and resolve intrapsychic conflicts allows interacting with internal world and facilitates ego growth. Critics of this theory have questioned how it neglects the role of interpersonal and social factors and the broader social and cultural context. However, many aspects of ego psychology are visible in psychodynamic theory and cognitive behavioral therapy (Freud & Strachey, 2024). It has also been proven effective in creating resilience, better coping mechanisms, and overall psychological well-being. Impact on Transgender Individuals Sexual and gender minority stigma is a long-lived battle that contemporary society will have for many years to come. Transgender individuals come across daily struggles like same-sex marriage, same-sex civil partnerships, and increasing homophobic bullying in social spaces. An analysis of the emotional and socio-cultural experiences of this group shows that ...