2-1 Discussion: Theory Progression Discussion Topic Task: Reply to this topic Starts May 5, 2018 11:59 PM Discuss the historical influence of Freud’s theory. How did the time period influence Freud as he developed his personality theory? Respond to two other classmates and compare your observations on how the historical context influenced Freud’s theory. Think about the historical context of your selected theory and how it may have influenced your chosen theory’s development.
The historical influence on Sigmund Freud’s theory of personality cannot be overstated. Freud, who lived from 1856 to 1939, developed his theories during a time of significant societal change and upheaval. Understanding the historical context in which Freud lived is crucial to understanding the underlying factors that influenced the development and formulation of his theories.
Freud’s theory of personality can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of capitalism. These societal changes led to significant shifts in how people lived and interacted with one another, thereby influencing Freud’s understanding of human behavior.
One factor that shaped Freud’s theory is the Victorian era’s rigid social norms and values. Victorian society was characterized by a repressive and morally conservative culture, emphasizing appearances and maintaining a façade of respectability. This environment forced individuals to suppress their innate desires and adhere to societal expectations, leading to the theory of the unconscious mind and the idea that repressed thoughts and feelings can manifest in psychological disorders.
Moreover, the prevalence of psychoanalysis during this time can also be attributed to the cultural environment. The emergence of the middle class and its desire for self-improvement and self-discovery created a fertile ground for the acceptance and popularity of Freud’s theories. People wanted to understand themselves better, and Freud’s ideas offered explanations that resonated with many individuals.
Another significant historical influence on Freud’s theory was the impact of World War I. The trauma and devastation witnessed during the war had a profound effect on society and individuals’ mental well-being. Freud observed that many soldiers returning from the war experienced symptoms of what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This observation influenced his understanding of the role of trauma and unconscious conflicts in the development of psychological disorders.
Furthermore, Freud’s theories can also be seen as a response to the prevailing medical and scientific theories of his time. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant advancements in the fields of biology, medicine, and psychology. Freud, who was trained as a neurologist, integrated these emerging scientific ideas into his psychoanalytic framework. For example, his concept of the unconscious mind drew on contemporary theories of brain function and neural networks.
In comparing observations on how the historical context influenced Freud’s theory, it is essential to consider different perspectives. One classmate may focus on how Freud’s theory challenged the prevailing social and scientific paradigms of his time, while another classmate may emphasize how Freud’s theories reflected and reinforced the societal norms and values of the Victorian era.
Furthermore, each classmate may examine how Freud’s theory responded to the specific historical events and experiences of his time. For example, one classmate may analyze how World War I and its aftermath influenced Freud’s emphasis on the role of trauma in psychological disorders, while another classmate may explore how Freud’s theory addressed the social and cultural changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization.
In conclusion, understanding the historical influence on Freud’s theory of personality is crucial to comprehending its development and formulation. The Victorian era’s rigid social norms and values, the impact of World War I, and the prevailing scientific and medical theories of his time all contributed to shaping Freud’s theories. By comparing observations on how the historical context influenced Freud’s theory, we can gain deeper insight into the multifaceted factors that influenced the development of his ideas.
