War of the Researchers and Theoreticians

Nature Theories
Pro Parent TheoriesPro Child Theories

Theoretical Basis

Parent(ing) not cause of child’s personality & behavior. No need to explore childhood. Behavioral causes are inborn (therefore rather permanent).

Theoretical Basis

Bad things can happen to children but won’t create personality or behavior, because personality is inborn.

Ramifications and Practice

DENIAL/REPRESSION ETHIC. These theorists see poorly & are blind to trauma, causes, & clues, not believing in identifying original cause. Fear of feelings. Medicate symptoms and/or pray.

Ramifications and Practice

RESCUE. Protect and punish abuse, but don’t blame parents for child’s behavior, especially adult child’s behavior.

Players?

  • Neo Freudian theory (Internal Drive, inborn fantasy)
  • AMA medical model
  • Pharmaceutical Industry

Players?

  • Social workers.
  • Pediatric nurses.
  • Pediatricians

Conventional Thinking

  • Genetics
  • Bad/Good Seed Theory
  • “chip off the ol’ block.”
  • Luck of the draw.
  • Astrology
  • Baptism
  • God’s will
  • Reincarnation

Conventional Thinking

  • “Poor thing.”
Nurture Theories
Pro Parent TheoriesPro Child Theories

Theoretical Basis

No bad seed. Can’t see into the “black box” of some- one’s unconscious. Can act only to reinforce good and punish bad acts. Behaviors are learned.

Theoretical Basis

Quality of attachment determines health of personality. Bad behaviors driven by trauma and bad discipline.

Ramifications and Practice

REPRESSION ETHIC. Work on the here and now, Avoid childhood. No point making parents feel bad. Practice positive thinking and affirmations.

Ramifications and Practice

EXPRESSION ETHIC. Revisit cause to treat destructive drives, observe and then express feelings. Release (with empathy) heals and creates insight. Learn new coping strategies.

Players?

  • Behavioral Theory
  • Cognitive Theory
  • Zen Buddhism
  • EST

Players?

  • Freud: Seduction Theory
  • Attachment Theory
  • Trauma Theory
  • Systems Theory
  • Object Relations, Self-psychology
  • Causal Theory

Conventional Thinking

  • “Get off it.”
  • “Spare the rod; spoil the child.”

Conventional Thinking

  • “There, but for the Grace of God, go I.”