Who is the 'Father of Psychoanalytical Theory'?

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) is universally recognized as the founder of psychoanalysis.
His theory posits that unconscious drives, particularly those related to sexuality and aggression, and early childhood experiences are fundamental in shaping personality and behavior.
Freud introduced core concepts like the id, ego, and superego, the levels of consciousness (conscious, preconscious, unconscious), and the psychosexual stages of development.
Psychoanalysis as a therapeutic technique, often called the 'talking cure', aims to bring repressed unconscious material into consciousness to resolve psychological conflicts.

Option A: Lawrence Kohlberg is known for his theory of moral development, not psychoanalysis.
Option B: Jean Piaget is a key figure in developmental psychology, famous for his theory of cognitive development in children.
Option C: Abraham Maslow was a humanistic psychologist who developed the Hierarchy of Needs.

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 concepts, such as defense mechanisms, helps nurses recognize and interpret patient behaviors, especially in psychiatric settings. For example, a patient denying a serious diagnosis may be using the defense mechanism of 'denial'.
Knowledge of developmental theories (Freud, Piaget, Erikson) is crucial in pediatric nursing to assess whether a child's behavior and cognitive abilities are age-appropriate.
Maslow's Hierarchy is frequently used in nursing to prioritize patient care. For instance, physiological needs (like breathing, food, water) must be met before addressing safety or psychological needs.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of major figures in psychology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Psychoanalytical Theory'.
Next, mentally review the major theorists and their associated concepts that you have studied.
Associate 'Psychoanalytical Theory' with Sigmund Freud. His name is almost synonymous with the term.
Evaluate the other options to confirm your choice. Recognize that Kohlberg is linked to moral development, Piaget to cognitive development, and Maslow to the hierarchy of needs, making them incorrect for this question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 5e p. 103-105

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 6e Sem1 p. 104-106

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3314-3316

Practise the full JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

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