The Life of Anna Freud

Term Paper # 128804

Psychology > Freud
Women Studies > Historical Figures

A description of Anna Freud's life, her relationship with her father and her psychological studies and discoveries.

1,381 words () | 4 sources | APA | 2010 | United States

Published on: Aug 13, 2010

Paper Summary:

The paper outlines the background of Anna Freud, the sixth and youngest child of Sigmund Freud. The paper describes how Anna pursued her father's philosophy and beliefs, and focused on the analysis of children. The paper relates how Anna authored "The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense" and also assisted in founding the London-based Hampstead Child Therapy Clinic. Finally, the paper discusses how Melanie Klein's theories of psychology sharply contrasted with the conventional theories of Anna Freud.

From the Paper:

"Sigmund Freud is possibly the most renowned individual in regards to psychological theory in the history of the discipline. Acknowledged as the "father of psychoanalysis" Freud introduced controversial theories which included the importance of the "unconscious" mind, the influence of the "id", "ego" and "superego" on behavior and the significance of dreams, however; many individuals do not realize that Freud was also the father of 6 children; one of these children; Anna, would follow in her father's footsteps and create her own impression on the field of psychological theories and investigation."

Sample of Sources Used:

Cherry, K. (2010). Anna Freud - Biography of Anna Freud. Psychology - Student Resources - Psychology Articles. Retrieved March 12, 2010, from http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajorthinkers /p/bio_annafreud.htm
Donaldson, G. (1998). Between practice and theory: Melanie Klein, Anna Freud and the development of child analysis. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, 32(2), 160-176.
Freud Museum. (2010). Freud Museum ~ About Us. Freud Museum, London. Retrieved March 13, 2010, from http://www.freud.org.uk/about/
Reuters. (1982, October 10). Anna Freud, Psychoanalyst, Dies in London at 86. On This Day. Retrieved March 12, 2010, from http://www.nytimes.com/learning /general/onthisday/bday/1203.html