The Austrian neurologist and psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud, arguably the father of modern psychology, had a wide range of controversial ideas regarding the human psyche that have been debated for over a century. Though most of his concepts have been debunked and replaced by newer ones, it would be remiss to not consider the influence he has had in psychology and how some of his predicaments were not only correct, but definitively shaped the way we view human behavior today.
This article seeks to explore whether or not Freud was right about anything, with particular focus on five aspects of his theories: unconscious drives, dream analysis, defense mechanisms, free association, and psychosexual development.
Unconscious Drives
Freud possessed a unique view of the mind, believing that many of the causes of rudimentary human behavior have their roots in the unconscious. Though this view has been largely replaced by contemporary models like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), there is still strong evidence to suggest Freud’s assertion that the unconscious plays a powerful role in human behavior and emotions is valid. Freud posited that the content of the unconscious was split into two categories: primal drives or instincts, such as sex and aggression, and repressed wishes and memories. In this respect, Freud was not only right that unconscious drives influence behavior, but also right to emphasize their importance.
Dream Analysis
Analyzing dreams was a major focus of Freud’s work and was one of the most prominent aspects of psychoanalysis. Freud was one of the first to suggest that dreams are not just random and incoherent, but rather they have meaning and can be used to reveal unconscious desires and conflicts. Now, we know that dreams are one of the most effective ways to analyze conscious and unconscious thought processes. The idea that dreams can reveal unconscious thoughts and feelings is thus valid.
Defense Mechanisms
Freud’s work showed that people work to cope and manage difficult beliefs, emotions, and ideations through the use of defense mechanisms. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies used to protect the self from negative or harmful emotions. Examples of these defensive strategies include repression, denial, and projection. The idea of defense mechanisms has since been broadened to explain the range of strategies used to protect the self from perceived threats and dangers. Based on contemporary literature, defense mechanisms are seen as pervasive and powerful ways in which people cope with life situations, thus validating Freud’s work in this area.
Free Association
Another prominent aspect of Freud’s work is the technique of free association. This technique is aimed at uncovering repressed thoughts and feelings by having individuals freely express their thoughts and feelings without inhibition. Free association is still today an important tool used in psychology to uncover unconscious memories and emotions. This technique is seen as valid by many clinicians and is an important part of the therapeutic process.
Psychosexual Development
One of Freud’s best-known theories is that of psychosexual development. Freud believed that people go through a series of psychosexual stages, beginning in infancy and extending through adulthood. He proposed that people experience pleasure in different parts of the body depending on the psychosexual stage they were in. While Freud’s exact claims and theories of psychosexual development have since been reviewed and revised, the central premise remains largely valid and is still discussed in psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic circles.
Though the bulk of Sigmund Freud’s theories have been debunked or revised, it is undeniable that some of his concepts have had a profound and lasting impact on the field of psychology. His work not only has shaped the way we view and understand human behavior, but has provided much needed insight and structure to the field. The five aspects discussed in this article are indicative of Freud’s accomplishments in the psychology world and his ability to accurately portray the complexities of the human mind. It is clear that while he may not have been right about everything, Freud was still right about many things.