Psychoanalysis is a current of thought and clinical practice that has had a significant influence on psychology and the understanding of the human mind throughout history. Founded by Sigmund Freud at the end of the 19th century, psychoanalysis proposes a deep and complex vision of the mind, addressing aspects of the unconscious, sexuality and personality structure. In this article, we will explore the proposal of psychoanalysis from a historical perspective, reviewing its evolution and contributions to the field of psychology.
Origins of psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis had its beginnings in Vienna at the end of the 19th century, in an intellectual and cultural context marked by important transformations in society. Sigmund Freud, a trained neurosurgeon, was the pioneer of this psychological trend, developing his ideas through clinical experience with patients who presented psychological disorders of non-physical origin. Freud introduced revolutionary concepts such as the unconscious, infantile sexuality and the Oedipus complex, which challenged traditional conceptions of the human mind.The structure of the mind according to Freud
Freud proposed a structure of the mind divided into three instances: the id, the ego and the superego. The id represents the instinctive drives and primary desires, the ego is the conscious instance that mediates between the id and the external world, and the superego is the internalized moral instance that represents the internalized norms and values of society. This tripartite conception of the mind has been fundamental in psychoanalysis and has influenced numerous subsequent psychological currents.
Development and expansion of psychoanalysis
Throughout the 20th century, psychoanalysis experimented an important development and expansion at an international level, with the founding of psychoanalytic societies in various cities around the world. Freud and his followers, including Carl Jung, Alfred Adler and Melanie Klein, contributed to enriching and diversifying psychoanalytic theories, exploring different aspects of the mind and human experience.
The Vienna Psychoanalytic School
The Vienna psychoanalytic school, founded by Freud, was the epicenter of the development of psychoanalysis in its first decades. Figures such as Otto Rank, Wilhelm Reich and Anna Freud contributed to the construction of psychoanalytic theory and its clinical application, generating debates and controversies that enriched the field of psychology.
The expansion of psychoanalysis in the world
Psychoanalysis spread rapidly throughout Europe and America, attracting psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals interested in understanding the mind and treating psychological disorders. Psychoanalytic societies were founded in cities such as London, New York, Buenos Aires and Paris, contributing to the dissemination and consolidation of Freudian ideas internationally.
Criticisms and controversies of psychoanalysis
Despite its influence and relevance in psychology, psychoanalysis has been the subject of criticism and controversy throughout its history. Since its inception, critics have pointed out the lack of empirical evidence for many of Freud's claims, as well as the theoretical and methodological rigidity of the analytical current. In addition, ethical aspects related to the neutrality of the therapist and the prolonged duration of psychoanalytic therapies have been questioned.
The emergence of new psychological currents
The rise of shorter and more therapeutic approaches focused on the resolution of specific problems, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, has led to a questioning of the effectiveness and relevance of psychoanalysis today. Although psychoanalysis has been an important influence on clinical psychology, its relevance in the contemporary era has been questioned due to the lack of scientific evidence to support its postulates.
Legacy and validity of psychoanalysis
Despite criticism and controversies, psychoanalysis has left a lasting legacy in psychology and the understanding of the human mind. Many of the Freudian concepts, such as the importance of the unconscious, infantile sexuality and defense mechanisms, have been integrated into other psychological currents and continue to be the object of study and research today.
The influence of the Psychoanalysis in other disciplines
Psychoanalysis has had a significant impact on fields such as literature, film, sociology and critical theory, inspiring reflections on human nature, interpersonal relationships and culture. Authors such as Jacques Lacan, Julia Kristeva and Slavoj Žižek have taken psychoanalytic ideas beyond the clinical field, exploring their implications in everyday life and contemporary society.
Conclusions
In Conclusion, psychoanalysis has been a fundamental psychological movement in the history of psychology, which has provoked important debates and reflections on the nature of the human mind. Although it has been the subject of criticism and controversy, its legacy endures in contemporary psychology and continues to be an object of interest and study in academic and clinical settings. The proposal of psychoanalysis, with its emphasis on the unconscious, sexuality and personality structure, has left an indelible mark on the understanding of human beings and therapeutic practice.