What is the main difference between Sigmund Freud and the neo-freudians

The main difference between Sigmund Freud and the Neo-Freudians is their view on human behavior and how we develop. Freud looked at the unconscious mind and personal struggles. Neo-Freudians, on the other hand, took a broader, including social and cultural factors.

Freud’s theory focused on the unconscious mind, with the id, ego, and superego at its core. Neo-Freudians added to this, introducing the collective unconscious and social interest. This expanded our understanding of what drives us and how we develop as individuals.

Freud saw sexual and aggressive urges as our main drives. Neo-Freudians, however, looked at social motives and how we interact with others. They believed our behavior is shaped by culture, not just our internal urges.

Key Figures in Neo-Freudian Psychology

The neo-Freudian movement brought new ideas to psychoanalysis. These thinkers built on Freud’s work but also created their theories. They explored how human behavior and personality are shaped.

Carl Jung was a leader in analytical psychology. He talked about the collective unconscious, which includes shared memories from our ancestors. Alfred Adler, on the other hand, focused on how our feelings of being inferior affect us.

Erik Erikson looked at how our whole life is shaped by social factors. Karen Horney challenged Freud’s views on women. She believed that culture plays a big role in how we become who we are.

Psychoanalysis and Free Association

Freud’s psychoanalysis focused on free association and dream analysis. He thought these could reveal the unconscious mind’s secrets. In Freudian therapy, patients would speak freely while the analyst stayed neutral.

This method aimed to uncover hidden thoughts and memories.

Neo-Freudian Innovations in Therapy

Neo-Freudians introduced new ideas to therapy. They recognized the value of non-verbal signals. They also started group and family therapy, focusing on relationships.

These changes aimed to understand the patient’s mind more fully.

The Role of the Therapist in Treatment

The therapist’s role changed a lot in neo-Freudian self-psychology. Unlike Freud, neo-Freudian therapists got more involved. They worked with patients to explore their thoughts and feelings.

This approach often led to quicker treatments and more effective results.

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