Research has demonstrated that the self-examination utilized in the psychoanalytic process can contribute to long-term emotional growth.
Through this process, a person can find relief from psychological distress.
History of Psychoanalysis
Many ofFreud’s observations and theorieswere based on clinical cases and case studies.
Laurence Mouton / Getty Images
This made his findings difficult to generalize to the larger population.
Other thinkersincluding his own daughter,Anna Freudalso left a significant mark on the field.
Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory of personality remains influential today in our understanding of human development.
Some of Freud’s most famous case studies include Dora, Little Hans, andAnna O.
These cases had a powerful influence on the development of his psychoanalytic theory.
In a case study, the researcher attempts to intensely examine every aspect of an individual’s life.
According to Freud, the unconscious contains things that we might consider to be unpleasant or even socially unacceptable.
We bury these things in our unconscious because they might bring us pain or conflict.
The conscious mind, on the other hand, includes everything that is inside of our awareness.
The contents of the conscious mind are the things we are aware of or can easily bring into awareness.
Thoughts, urges, or feelings that are unpleasant, difficult, or even socially unacceptable.
Buried because they can bring about pain or conflict.
Can sometimes be brought into awareness using certain techniques.
Thoughts, feelings, and urges that we are aware of or can easily bring into awareness.
Not hidden or suppressed.
May be influenced by unconscious thoughts, feelings, or memories.
Id
The first of the key elements of personality to emerge is known as the id.
The id contains all of the unconscious, basic, and primal urges.
Ego
The second aspect of personality to emerge is known as the ego.
This is the part of the personality that must deal with the demands of reality.
The Ego’s Defense Mechanisms
Defense mechanisms are strategies that the ego uses toprotect itself from anxiety.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Over the course of the early 20th century, the influence of psychoanalysis grew.
However, it was not without critics.
Despite its flaws, psychoanalysis continued to play a key role in the development of psychology.
It influenced our approach to treating mental health conditions and continues to exert an influence on psychology today.
Many people are skeptical of psychoanalysis because the evidence supporting its effectiveness has often been viewed as weak.
One of the critics' main arguments is that it’s not as effective as other treatments.
Psychoanalysis is also generally a long-term proposition.
Psychoanalytic therapy typically involves a client and therapist exploring issues over a period of years.
However, to dismiss Freuds contributions as irrelevant to psychology…is an oversimplification.
Research also supports at least some of Freud’s original ideas.
Sigmund Freud was also very much a product of his time.
Prior to the development of psychoanalysis, Freud’s interests had centered on developing a neural model of behavior.
Researchers today also suggest that the neurobiological underpinnings of psychoanalysis are worth further exploration.
Susan Krauss Whitbourne, PhD
Psychologists today talk about thepsychodynamic, not thepsychoanalytic perspective.
There is no question that psychoanalysisboth as a therapeutic approach and theoretical outlookhas left its mark on psychology.
Many contemporary psychologists view psychoanalysis with skepticism.
Some even feel derision toward Freud’s school of thought.
In a world of psychology where cognitive processes, neuroscience, andbiopsychologydominate, is there still room for psychoanalysis?
In general, there is a perceived decline in traditional psychoanalysis.
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