Father of psychoanalysis

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, is the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.
His work introduced foundational concepts such as the unconscious mind, the Oedipus complex, and the structure of personality (id, ego, and superego).
Psychoanalytic therapy explores how unconscious factors affect current relationships and patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior.
Freud's theories, though controversial, laid the groundwork for many subsequent psychological and psychotherapeutic approaches.

Option A: Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst, but he is known for his theory of psychosocial development, not for founding psychoanalysis itself.
Option C: Abraham Maslow was a leader of the humanistic school of psychology.
Option D: John B. Watson was an American psychologist who established the psychological school of behaviorism.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Founders of major psychological theories as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding Freud's theory of defense mechanisms (e.g., denial, projection, repression) helps nurses recognize and interpret patient behaviors that may seem irrational but serve a protective psychological function.
Knowledge of psychoanalytic concepts can enhance therapeutic communication, allowing nurses to better understand the roots of a patient's anxiety, resistance to care, or interpersonal difficulties.
What if the patient is a child? While Freud focused on childhood development, Erikson's psychosocial stages are often more directly applied in pediatric nursing to assess if a child is meeting age-appropriate developmental milestones.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'psychoanalysis'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of major figures in the history of psychology.
Mentally associate the term 'psychoanalysis' with its founder.
Evaluate the given options. Sigmund Freud is directly linked to the creation and development of psychoanalysis.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their primary contributions: Erikson (psychosocial stages), Maslow (hierarchy of needs), and Watson (behaviorism).
Confirm the choice. Freud is the only theorist listed who is considered the 'father' of the psychoanalytic school of thought.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 3383-3385, 3398-3400, 3494-3495

Practise the full UPPSC-2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.