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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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