Major Figure from the History of Psychology: Sigmund Freud - Coursework Example

Introduction Sigmund Freud’s path breaking studies on psychology have contributed in changing people’s perception of human psyche. He has not only provided the basis for an explanation of developmental psychology but has also brought to light psychological issues of sexuality that have for long been unspoken of. Freud’s genius was visible since his childhood. Not only was he a brilliant student but also possessed an analytical mind from a very young age. A study of his life and work reveal the man behind a sharp intellect who wanted to reach the deepest corner of the mind in search of the true identity of man. His mentors: Brucke, Breuer and the case of Anna O It is said that Freud got his sense of humour from his father who was a merchant. He went to study medicine and under the guidance of professor Ernst Brucke became involved in research work. His interest and devotion for research studies is an evidence of his tenacity, inquisitive mind and his love for challenges. Freud had pursued his investigation on neurosis as a manifestation of one’s personality for years but finally had to give up as the research reached a dead end (Boeree, 2006). Freud’s original domain of research was neurophysiology from where he ventured to other related territories and dealt with complex concepts like psychoanalysis and the technique of hypnosis as a form of therapeutic treatment. It was his association with Joseph Breuer who acted both as friend and mentor to Freud that gave him the opportunity to carry on his research in the field of neuropsychiatry. Breuer made him his assistant while dealing with Anna O’s case and together they wrote a book on hysteria based on their study of Anna O who suffered from chronic hysteria or as it is now known as conversion disorder (Boeree, 2006). It was later that Freud deciphered the element of repressed sexuality in the relationship between Breuer and his patient Anna O. While working with Breuer Freud met with numerous cases of Viennese women with, as Freud realized, “somatic manifestation of some psychological trauma that the patient had suffered and repressed” (Fowler, 2004) and he further realized that many of the hallucinations were not based on reality but the patient’s fantasies that due to the fear of being ostracized were repressed. With the help of Ernst Brucke who had helped Freud in receiving a grant, he pursued his research on the application of hypnosis in cases of acute hysteria along with Charcot and Bernheim. Later on it was Breuer who had helped him to start his own neuropsychiatry clinic. It is evident that Freud was blessed with good mentors who had been instrumental in encouraging and guiding him in the right direction. Freud worked in close association with notable psychologists who had played significant role in his research on psychoanalysis. But Freud would take professional disagreements at a personal level and often ended his friendship with people. He broke all ties with his one time mentor Breuer for such a reason but after the latter’s death came to know that Breuer had always been thoughtful about his personal and professional wellbeing and often enquired about his research developments (Chiriac, 2009). Freud’s work, his discovery: Self-analysis Freud’s work could be best divided into four parts each part is a natural development of the previous one. He began his research with his in depth study of neurosis and its practice. “Studies on Hysteria” was published in 1895 that marked his transition to another quarter of his life where he seemed to focus more on self-analysis to understand his own psychical functioning and according to some he practised self-analysis life long. His books “The Interpretation of Dreams” and “The Psychopathology of Everyday Life” are based on his discoveries of self-analysis (Chiriac, 2009). His explanations of dreams on the basis of self-analysis for the first time introduces to the concept of the unconscious. Before Freud scientists considered dreams to be meaningless and insignificant. Freud pointed out dreams to be the expression of the unfulfilled wishes and desires which are otherwise repressed (Fowler, 2004). The discovery of the theory of the Oedipus complex is also a result of self-analysis. Freud in his letters to Fliess reveals about his love for his mother and jealousy towards his father. On the basis of his perceptions he has generalised his theory of Oedipus complex. The process of self analysis has helped Freud to develop therapeutic treatments. Freud emphasizes on the requirement of certain essential factors like relaxed atmosphere and free association for conducting a therapy. The Id and the Ego The period between 1900 and 1914 marks Freud’s intensive study of the primitive instincts within human beings that he terms as the id which, according to Freud, at the time of birth and infancy is no different from that in animals. The id is part of the unconscious mind and is said to follow the pleasure principle. Freud started to work on the ego or the conscious mind from 1914 onwards. He came to the conclusion that the ego is defined by the perception of the reality factor and works on the basis of reason. The id and the ego psychology as theorized by Freud throw significant light on his psychoanalytical study of patients of neurosis. He could use these theoretical concepts in understanding and classifying the nature and degree of problems faced by the patient. His contributions: developmental psychology Freud’s theory of the different psychosexual stages of human beings has contributed greatly to the study of developmental psychology. It has given a basis to understand child psychology and recounts the general developmental pattern of the human mind. Freud was the first to present the theory of the different developmental stages. He was followed by Erickson’s psychosocial and Vygotsky’s moral developmental stages. According to Freud sexuality forms the basis of all modes of motivation and drives from as early as birth. Based on this concept he has framed the developmental stages beginning with the oral, anal, phallic, latent and finally the genital stage. Though the whole concept of classifying the psyche into stages was a significant discovery Freud was criticized for his emphasis on sexuality being the root cause of all actions (Boeree, 2006). His students and influence of psychoanalysis Jung and Adler were among his followers and admirers but who later on opposed and criticized different Freudian principles and theoretical ideas. They emphasized on the other aspects of psychoanalysis rather than approaching it from the sexual perspective. They were against relating all kinds of mental crisis exclusively to sexual reasons. Rather they tried to find socio-cultural relevance to a person’s identity crisis. But at one point they were unified and that is in their deep admiration and regard for Freud’s discovery of the concept of psychoanalysis and its technique to access a patient’s innermost thoughts. Conclusion In conclusion it could be said that Freud was the proponent of modern psychology. He worked on concepts that were much ahead of his time and was harshly criticized for overtly dealing with issues that were considered taboo during his time. But nothing could deter Freud’s onward journey in his research on the revolutionary topic of psychoanalysis that brought him worldwide recognition and fame. His theory and practice of psychoanalysis that covers a wide area of psychology including developmental psychology, treatment of neurosis and the efficacy of hypnosis has contributed greatly to further development in the field of psychology. The concept of psychoanalysis has crossed the domain of pure psychology and has found relevance in literature, social history, culture studies and sociology. Reference Boeree, C.G (2006). “Sigmund Freud”. Retrieved 22 April 2009 fromhttp://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/freud.html Chiriac, J (2009). “Sigmund Freud’s Self-Analysis”. Retrieved 22 April 2009 from http://www.freudfile.org/work.html Fowler, S.M (2004). “The self-overcoming subject: Freuds challenge to the Cartesian ontology”. Journal of Phenomenological Psychology. 35: 97-109. Retrieved 22 April 2009 from High Beam Research Read More