The study by Bruno, Dell’Aversana, and Guidetti (2018) that combines gaming theory and psychoanalytic approaches to teach conflict management within an organization offers an innovative perspective on the application of psychodynamic theories in a practical context. This combination may alter the view of Neo-Freudian and psychodynamic theories in a positive way for several reasons:

Positive View:

1. Practical Application: The integration of gaming theory with psychodynamic approaches demonstrates the adaptability and relevance of psychodynamic theories in real-world scenarios, such as conflict management within organizations. This practical application enhances the credibility and utility of these theories beyond traditional therapy settings.
2. Engaging Learning: By incorporating gaming elements, the learning experience can become more engaging and interactive. This approach may attract a wider range of learners, including those who might not be initially interested in psychodynamic concepts.
3. Holistic Understanding: Combining gaming theory with psychodynamic approaches can provide a more holistic understanding of human behavior, motivations, and conflicts. This can lead to more comprehensive solutions in managing interpersonal dynamics.
4. Innovation and Creativity: This integration showcases the adaptability of psychodynamic theories and their potential for innovation. It demonstrates that these theories can evolve to meet the changing needs of society and organizations.

Neutral or Balanced View:

1. Methodological Considerations: While the integration of gaming theory is innovative, it’s important to critically evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of such an approach. The study’s success in teaching conflict management doesn’t necessarily alter the core tenets of Neo-Freudian or psychodynamic theories; rather, it highlights a novel method of applying these theories.

Potential Concerns:

1. Theoretical Purity: Some scholars and practitioners might express concerns about the potential dilution or oversimplification of psychodynamic concepts when integrated with gaming theory. Maintaining the integrity of the theories and ensuring accurate representation is important.
2. Generalization: The success of this approach in one context (teaching conflict management in organizations) doesn’t automatically generalize to all applications of psychodynamic theory. Care must be taken to assess its applicability to other contexts.
3. Limited Reach: While gaming may engage certain audiences, it might not resonate equally with all individuals or cultures. This could potentially limit the reach of this approach in diverse settings.

In conclusion, the integration of gaming theory and psychoanalytic approaches to teach conflict management in an organizational context presents a positive view of the adaptability and practical relevance of Neo-Freudian and psychodynamic theories. However, it’s important to consider potential concerns and critically evaluate the success of this approach within its specific context. This integration offers an opportunity to showcase the enduring value of psychodynamic theories in addressing complex human interactions beyond the confines of traditional therapeutic settings.