Freud 's Theory Of Psychology And Behavior Essay

In the 1920s, psychology began to develop from the fields of philosophy and biology. Sigmund Freud, an Austrian physician, developed many theories throughout his lifetime that still remain influential in many psychological fields today, such as his pioneering theory of personality. Freud’s work supported the belief that not all mental illnesses have physiological causes, as well as offered evidence that cultural differences have an impact on psychology and behavior (Cherry). Overall, his work and writings contributed to our understanding of personality, human development and abnormal psychology.
His psychoanalytic theory proposed that childhood sexuality and unconscious motives influence personality. Psychoanalysis attributes thoughts and actions to unconscious motives and conflicts; its techniques are used in treating psychological disorders by seeking to expose and interpret unconscious tensions. Through his psychoanalytic techniques, one can examine unconscious conflicts based on free associations, dreams and fantasies. Freud assumed that he could retrace his patients’ chain of memories into their unconscious, where painful unconscious memories could be retrieved and released. Freud believed that although we are not consciously aware of these troublesome feelings and ideas, they are able to influence us greatly and are expressed in various ways including our beliefs, habits, and symptoms. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory has become part of our cultural legacy, has helped…