What was Freud's personality theory? Describe the personal, historical, and cultural factors that may have influenced the development of Freud's personality theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The answer should include the following information: First, Freud's personality theory was psychoanalytic and stressed the influence of unconscious mental processes, the importance of sexual and aggressive instincts, and the enduring effects of early childhood experience on personality. This theory evolved gradually over the first 20 years of his private practice and was based on observations of his patients, as well as on self-analysis. One of his very early influences was Dr. Joseph Breuer, who introduced Freud to the idea of releasing pent-up memories and their associated emotion through hypnosis and catharsis. Freud eventually refined this technique to free association. Breuer and Freud published a number of books together, which established psychoanalysis and provided Freud with international recognition. In his later years, Freud focused on humanity's destructive tendencies. He believed that human nature and civilization are in a basic conflict that cannot be resolved. This view was influenced by the events of the 1930s, when Hitler came to power, Freud's books were banned and publicly burned, and Freud's life (and the lives of his family) was in danger.

What Was Freud's Personality Theory? Describe the Personal, Historical, and Cultural