The history and empirical status of key psychoanalytic concepts.
Over the past century, the ideas set out in psychoanalytic theory have permeated the field of psychology as well as literature, art, and culture. Despite this popularity, analytic theory has only recently received empirical support. In this chapter, we seek to highlight several fundamental concepts of analytic theory (the unconscious, drives, defenses, object relations, Oedipus complex) and psychodynamic treatments (transference, countertransference, interpretations, resistance). The first section of the chapter offers a comprehensive definition and historical background for each concept. This foundation is followed by a review of the empirical evidence supporting the reliability and validity of these concepts, their impact on treatment, and their broader influence on the future of psychology.
Luborsky
Lester
L
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. luborsky@mail.med.upenn.edu
Barrett
Marna S
MS
D004328:Drive; D005544:Forecasting; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011572:Psychoanalysis / Q000266:history*; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D011584:Psychology / Q000639:trends; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012106:Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012107:Research Design; D014473:Unconscious, Psychology