PSY

Running head: PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY 1
Psychoanalytic Theory
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PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY 2

Psychoanalytic Theory
Introduction
Psychoanalytic theory, formulated by Sigmund Freud, has acclaimed a great place in
psychology. The professional involvement of Ernst B‟rke, Joseph Breuer and J.C. Charcot
proved to be very instrumental in the psychoanalysis theory and Freud‟s venture of discovery
of theory behind human behavior and mind. The theory has managed to get acceptance from
almost everyone as he has used art and science to clarify his points. There are many
underlying principles in the psychoanalysis like id, ego and superego, sexual development,
instincts, and the conscious, unconscious and subconscious. He also discovered defense
mechanism and dream interpretation (Jung, C. G., 1959).
Freud’s Influence
Sigmund Freud is undoubtedly the most influential psychologist, especially in investigating
the personality. His works are still regarded quite influential as they exhibit a great blend of
logic based on art and science. His methods proved to be quite handy in investing the
phenomenon like sexual desires and dreams which were never explored before. It would not
be justifiable if one decides to say “yes” or “no” about its relevance today, but surely it
carved the ideas on personality and explored so many topics that were not touched before.
Various psychologists worked around his ideas to come up with new knowledge; they either
worked as continuation of Freud‟s work or they gave reaction to it. The ideas of Freud
sparked and revolutionized further research (Freud, S., 1953).
Freud's contributed at the time when scholars showed their interest in mental illness
and the classification was rapidly growing but the very etiology of the same was unknown
and the treatments turned out to be ineffective. The clinicians and researchers focused too
PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY 3

much cognitive and conscious process. Freud enjoys a unique status because he
acknowledged the world with totally different mental realm and most of his concepts were
pioneer and radical (Jung, C. G., 1959).
Psychoanalytic theory is a complete personality theory which has explained behavior
quite well. It has focused upon the early childhood experiences and unconscious mind.
Mainly, its emphasis is on the dynamic...