The emergence of Freudian theory in 1895

The emergence of Freudian theory in 1895

The emergence of Freudian theory in 1895 had a profound impact on the field of psychology. Sigmund Freud's theory of the unconscious mind challenged the prevailing view of human behavior, which was based on the belief that people are rational beings who are in control of their own thoughts and actions.

Freud's theory proposed that the unconscious mind is a powerful force that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. He argued that the unconscious mind is made up of repressed memories, desires, and impulses that we are not aware of. These repressed urges can sometimes manifest themselves in our behavior in ways that we do not understand.

Freud's theory was controversial when it was first introduced, but it eventually gained widespread acceptance. His ideas have had a major impact on the way that we think about human behavior, and they have also influenced the development of psychotherapy.

The emergence of Freudian theory in 1895 was a major turning point in the history of psychology. Freud's ideas challenged the prevailing view of human behavior and they have had a lasting impact on the way that we think about the mind.

Here are some of the key concepts of Freudian theory:

• The unconscious mind: The unconscious mind is a powerful force that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It is made up of repressed memories, desires, and impulses that we are not aware of.
• The id, ego, and superego: Freud believed that the mind is made up of three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is the impulsive part of the mind that is driven by pleasure. The ego is the rational part of the mind that mediates between the id and the superego. The superego is the moral part of the mind that enforces social norms.
• The Oedipus complex: The Oedipus complex is a theory of child development that proposes that young boys develop a sexual desire for their mothers and a sense of rivalry with their fathers.
• The defense mechanisms: Freud believed that we use defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from anxiety. Some common defense mechanisms include denial, repression, projection, and rationalization.

Freudian theory has been criticized for being too deterministic and for failing to account for the role of social factors in human behavior. However, Freud's ideas have had a major impact on the way that we think about the mind, and they continue to be influential in the field of psychology today.