The Contributions Of Sigmund Freud

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According to the Biography.com editors, “Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist best known for developing the theories and techniques of psychoanalysis” ("Sigmund Freud Biography," n.d., para. 1). Freud had many theories, including that of dream analysis, the unconscious mind, and the psyche (McLeod, 2013, para. 11-28). Although a great deal of his work is still controversial, he will forever be one of psychology’s largest influences. Sigmund Freud was born in Freiberg, Austria on May 6, 1856. At four years old, he and his family moved to Vienna. Freud studied at the University and received a medical degree in 1881, although he viewed himself as a scientist, rather than a doctor. Right out of college, Freud started a private practice treating …show more content…

It is like the Ego, in the way that it operates socially and in the conscious and unconscious mind. When there is inner conflict, the Ego deploys defense mechanisms to prevent overwhelming anxiety. These mechanisms include repression, denial, projection, displacement, regression, and sublimation. The Ego unconsciously uses repression to keep disturbing thoughts from seeing the light of day. Denial keeps someone from realizing the negative effects of a situation. Projection involves someone who blames their inappropriate thoughts or behaviors on another person. Displacement satisfies an urge by substituting it with an object. When someone experiences a highly stressful situation, they may go into regression or retreat into past behaviors. Sublimation is very much like displacement, but it satisfies the impulse in a way that is socially acceptable. Sigmund Freud was known as the father of psychoanalysis. Many of his ideas were based on personal experience and had many theories about his own life. He worked closely with a friend and colleague, Josef Breuer, and the two of them published their studies together in 1895. However, Breuer ceased working with Freud with the opinion that he focused too much of his attention on the sexual aspects of his patients ("Sigmund Freud Biography," n.d., para. 4). Although people have many differing opinions about his work, he will forever be influential in

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