Which case is not associated with the psychodynamic movement?

Which case is not associated with the psychodynamic movement?

• A. Anna O.
• B. Little Albert
• C. Phineas Gage
• D. Dora

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that the psychodynamic approach centers on unconscious processes, early-life experiences, and internal conflicts, interpreted through therapy to uncover hidden motives and resolve symptoms. The Little Albert study is a classic example of behaviorism, not psychodynamics. It shows how a fear response can be learned through conditioning—observing, measuring, and altering observable behavior without exploring unconscious motives or inner conflicts. Because its goal is to demonstrate learning processes and observable reactions rather than interpret dreams, defenses, or unresolved conflicts, it doesn’t fit the psychodynamic tradition. In contrast, Anna O. and Dora are tied to Freud’s psychoanalytic work, which centers on unconscious drives, conflicts from childhood, and techniques like interpretation and free association to bring those issues to light. Phineas Gage is a famous neuroscience case illustrating how brain injury can affect personality and behavior, a biological perspective rather than a psychodynamic one. The standout distinction with Little Albert is that it belongs to the behaviorist lineage—focused on learning and observable behavior—rather than on the exploration of unconscious processes that define psychodynamic theory.

The key idea here is that the psychodynamic approach centers on unconscious processes, early-life experiences, and internal conflicts, interpreted through therapy to uncover hidden motives and resolve symptoms. The Little Albert study is a classic example of behaviorism, not psychodynamics. It shows how a fear response can be learned through conditioning—observing, measuring, and altering observable behavior without exploring unconscious motives or inner conflicts. Because its goal is to demonstrate learning processes and observable reactions rather than interpret dreams, defenses, or unresolved conflicts, it doesn’t fit the psychodynamic tradition.

In contrast, Anna O. and Dora are tied to Freud’s psychoanalytic work, which centers on unconscious drives, conflicts from childhood, and techniques like interpretation and free association to bring those issues to light. Phineas Gage is a famous neuroscience case illustrating how brain injury can affect personality and behavior, a biological perspective rather than a psychodynamic one. The standout distinction with Little Albert is that it belongs to the behaviorist lineage—focused on learning and observable behavior—rather than on the exploration of unconscious processes that define psychodynamic theory.