1. 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.psychlotron.org.uk

2. Psychodynamic Model Issues for evaluation: –Testability –Evidence –Blame www.psychlotron.org.uk

3. 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.psychlotron.org.uk

4. 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.psychlotron.org.uk

5. 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.psychlotron.org.uk