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Chapter Overviews
Chapter 14: Theories of Personality
"Freud Unplugged"

Introduction
Sigmund Freud's theories of personality are so widely read, that the word "psychoanalysis" probably brings to your mind the image of a patient on a couch-talking with a doctor. In the early 20th century, Freud's method of psychoanalysis quickly spread within medicine, social sciences, art, literature, and popular culture. Controversial and criticized in his time, Freud's views of human nature are still intensely debated. The Library of Congress has recently created an online exhibit that tries to describe Freud's life and the social climate from which his theories arose.

Destination Title: Sigmund Freud: Conflict and Culture
Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions

  • Start at the Sigmund Freud: Conflict and Culture Web site.
  • Click on the "Formative Years" topic, and then follow the links to sections two and three.
  • Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.
1. What are some of the methods that Freud used in his studies?


2. How did Freud use "transference" in therapy?


3. According to Freud, when was analysis complete?


4. What were the social conditions of Freud's time, and how could they have affected his ideas?


5. Quotes from Freud's writings give you an idea of the man behind the theories. On a separate sheet of paper draw a cartoon illustrating Freud's view of human nature.