A basic introduction to psychoanalytic thought Chapter 4 A basic introduction to psychoanalytic thought

Chapter overview A brief historical contextualisation of the predominant psychoanalytic theorists of the last century Basic psychoanalytic assumptions: The importance of childhood in development The normal / pathological distinction The notion of the unconscious The value of stage-based theories Cognitive & emotional development A brief critique of these notions

An historical contextualisation of Freud (1856 - 1939) Vienna was the seat of European culture & beauty Predominantly Catholic Extensive anti-Semitic sentiment For many Jews psychoanalysis became a religion Freud became the leader of a circle of supporters of psychoanalytic ideas Radically influenced the Western world’s concepts of art, culture, our view of the nature of man

An historical contextualisation of Klein (1882 - 1960) Born in Vienna where Freud was already working as a neurologist Experienced a number of deaths of close family and significant people Pioneered the psychoanalytic treatment of children through play therapy Established an influential presence in Britain Constantly looked to Freud for legitimacy of her own theories

An historical contextualisation of Winnicott The adored son of an upper-class British family Started his career as a paediatrician Remained a profoundly individualistic person Never aligned himself with either Freud or Klein Provided the model of independence and creative thinking that characterises the Middle or Independent tradition Enjoyed addressing a wide-ranging cross-section of people

An historical contextualisation of Jung (1875 - 1961) Became a medical doctor and developed an interest in word association Was deeply influenced by Freud and was seen as the natural successor to Freud Developed Analytical Psychology strongly influenced by his own experiences of: religion and a special closeness to God the resolution of a period of psychosis following his fall out with Freud periodic dreams & visions with mythological & religious features

Key psychoanalytic developmental assumptions The significance of childhood Normal and pathological development Stages of development The role of the unconscious Cognitive and emotional development

Critique of psychoanalytic assumptions Psychoanalytic theory is unscientific Psychoanalytic theory proposes that psychological development is largely complete by the time of puberty Individuals are determined / imprisoned by their developmental history