Unit 2. PSYCHOANALYSIS
Text A Psychoanalysis as a theory and a therapy
Text B Biography of Sigmund Freud
PSYCHOANALYSIS AS A THEORY AND A THERAPY
Sigmund Freud was a pioneer in the study of unconscious mental
activity. His theories on the inner workings of the human mind are now
accepted by most schools of psychological thought. In 1896, Freud
created the term “psychoanalysis,” and later he developed its main
principles, objectives, techniques, and methodology of psychoanalysis.
Psychoanalysis focuses on the unconscious aspects of personality.
According to Freud the human mind is like an iceberg. He believed that
the conscious level of the mind was similar to the top of the iceberg
which could be seen, but the unconscious was mysterious and was hid-den.
In An Outline of Psychoanalysis Freud explains the principles of the
psychoanalytic theory. He begins with an explanation of the three parts
of the psychic apparatus » the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is
the unconscious part that contains the instincts. The ego has the quality
of being conscious and is responsible for controlling the demands of the
id. It serves as a link between the id and the external world. Finally, the
superego, whose demands are managed by the id, is responsible for the
limitation of satisfactions and represents the in?uence of others, such
as parents, teachers, and role models, as well as the impact of racial, so-
cietal, and cultural traditions.
As a therapy, psychoanalysis is based on the concept that individuals
are unaware of the many factors that cause their behavior and emo-
tions. These unconscious factors have the potential to produce unhap-
piness, which is expressed through a number of symptoms such as diffi-
culty in relating to others, or problems with self-esteem. The basic ob-
jective of psychoanalysis is to remove neuroses and thereby cure pa-
tients by returning the damaged ego to its normal state.
The method of psychoanalysis has several steps. First, analysts
gather material from patients free associations, dreams and slips of
the tongue. Second, analysts begin to form hypotheses about what hap-
pened to the patients in the past and what is happening to them in their
daily life. If analysts reveal their conclusions to patients too soon, resis-
tance due to repression will occur. Overcoming this resistance requires
additional time and effort by both the analysts and the patients. Once
patients accept the conclusions, they are cured.
The value of psychoanalysis as a theory and as a therapy has been
questioned since the early 1900s. Critics dispute the value of the data
upon which Freud based his theories; and the method and effectiveness
of psychoanalytic treatment. However, we should not forget the
revolutionary introduction of the unconscious aspects of personality in
the discipline of psychology.
Questions to the text.
1. What term did Freud create and developed in the field of psychology?
2. What does psychoanalysis focus on?
3. How did Freud describe a human mind?
4. What are the three parts of the psychic apparatus, according to Freud?
5. Which part of the psychic apparatus has the quality of being conscious?
6. Which part of the psychic apparatus represents the influence of others?
7. Which part of the psychic apparatus contains instincts?
8. What concept is psychoanalysis based on?
9. How can unhappiness be expressed?
10. What is the basic objective of psychoanalysis according to Sigmund
Freud?
11. What are the main steps of psychoanalysis?
12. Why do patients have to reach conclusions on their own?
13. When is the patient considered to be cured?
14. How did some psychologists criticize psychoanalysis?
15. What was revolutionary about the method of psychoanalysis?
Translate the following sentences.
Sigmund Freud was the first psychologist who recognized the importance
of the unconscious mind. Sigmund Freud developed the main principles,
objectives and methodology of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis focuses on
the unconscious level of the mind. According to Sigmund Freud, there are
three parts of the human psychic: the id, the ego, and the superego. The
conflict between these parts produces unhappiness and mental illnesses.
Psychoanalysis helps to remove neuroses. There are several steps of psychoanalysis.
First, a psychoanalyst gathers material from patient’s free associations,
dreams and slips. Then he forms hypotheses about what happened to
the patients in the past. Finally, the psychoanalyst and the patient
make conclusions about the problems.
EXERClSE 2 Tell your friend (your group):
1) what psychoanalysis is about,
2) who invented it,
3) how it works.
INTERESTING FACTS
Sigmund Freud's “The Interpretation of Dreams” was published in 1899
but Freud asked the publisher to mark the date as 1900. He wanted it to
appear in the 20"‘ century. No one noticed. The dream book, containing
ideas that would shape the modern era, sold just 300 copies in six years.
httpy/www.anecdotagencom
On average, psychoanalysis takes a little more than 5 years in the US,
where most patients pay cost themselves because of insurance
restrictions. In Ontario, Canada, where psychoanalysis is covered by
insurance, the mean duration is less than 5 years.
httpy/zowzer.apsaorg/pubinfo/qandajztm
JOKES