Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis

Founder

Developed by Sigmund Freud (Austrian neurologist, late 19th–early 20th century).

It is both a theory of personality and a method of therapy.

Main Ideas of Psychoanalysis

1. Unconscious Mind

A large part of our thoughts, memories, and desires are hidden in the unconscious.

These hidden feelings influence our behavior without us realizing it.

2. Structure of Personality (Freud’s Model)

Id → Instincts and desires (pleasure-seeking, unconscious).

Ego → Reality-based, balances Id and Superego.

Superego → Moral values and conscience.

3. Defense Mechanisms

The mind uses strategies to protect itself from anxiety or guilt.

Examples: repression (forgetting painful memories), denial, projection.

4. Psychosexual Stages of Development

Freud believed personality develops in stages (oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital).

Problems in these stages may cause personality issues later.

Therapeutic Method (Psychoanalytic Therapy)

Aim: Bring unconscious thoughts into consciousness so a person can understand and resolve inner conflicts.

Techniques:

Free Association – Patient says whatever comes to mind.

Dream Analysis – Interpreting dreams to uncover hidden meanings.

Transference – Patient transfers feelings for important people onto the therapist.

Contributions

First major approach to studying the human mind scientifically.

Highlighted importance of childhood experiences, unconscious processes, and emotions.

Criticism

Too much focus on sex and aggression.

Lacks scientific proof, difficult to test.

But still very influential in psychology, literature, and art.

✅ In short: Psychoanalysis says our unconscious mind and childhood experiences strongly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behavior, and therapy helps uncover these hidden conflicts.