Essay on Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud is considered to be one of the most important figures in the fields of psychiatry and psychology. His ideas about psychoanalysis were developed in the 1800's but are still being used today by professionals in the mental health field. This report will give some facts about his personal life, educational background, professional ideas, and accomplishments.

On May 6, 1856, Sigmund Freud was born in Freiberg which is now the Czech Republic. His father, Jakob, was a merchant and was married to his second wife, Freud's mother. Mrs. Freud was 20 years younger than Sigmund's father.

In 1860, the family moved to Vienna, Austria. When Jakob Freud's business collapsed, the family was forced to live in horrible economic conditions. For most of Sigmund's childhood, he lived an impoverished existence.

The family was Jewish, but did not practice religion on a regular basis. However, Sigmund took his studies seriously. He graduated from secondary school in 1873 and started attending the University of Vienna. There he studied medicine. He received his degree in 1881 with a specialty in neurology.

In 1886, Freud married Martha Bernays. They had six children, including Anna, who also became a distinguished psychoanalyst. After his marriage, Freud set up a practice in neuropsychiatry with his friend, Joseph Breuer. Freud and Breuer published a book about hysteria.

Freud's psychoanalytical theory was developed in the late 1800's and early 1900's. His theory suggested that unconscious elements, which are not in the control or memory of people, shape personality, emotions, and behavior. In psychoanalysis, Freud encouraged his patients to bring these unconscious elements to conscious awareness. Freud thought that everyone had internal conflicts. He felt that if a person did not resolve their internal conflicts, they would have problems dealing with life. He believed that many of these internal conflicts developed in childhood.

One of Freud's most famous ideas was the "Oedipus Complex." According to Freud, all boys have unconscious feelings of competition and hostility toward their fathers. They see their fathers as rivals for their mother's love and attention. He concluded that boys have an unconscious desire to destroy their