Accomplishments and Influence

The accomplishments of Freud and his followers are truly remarkable. The
creative genius of each theorist spans a lifetime of effort and work. The magnitude
of their achievements is shown in their efforts to provide new perspectives
on personality development and psychopathology, theories of
motivation, psychotherapeutic methods of treatment, and methods for describing
the nature of human behavior. Clearly, these independent schools
of thought have had a profound influence not only upon the field of psychology
but also upon art, religion, anthropology, sociology, and literature.
Undoubtedly, they will continue to serve as the foundations of personality
theory and provide the basis for new and challenging theories of tomorrow—
theories that seek to discover the true nature of what it means to be
human.
Sources for Further Study
Adler, Alfred. Social Interest: A Challenge to Mankind. Translated by John Linton
and Edward Vaughan. New York: Capricorn Books, 1964. An excellent
summary of Adler’s theories of human nature and social education,
incorporating his ideas on lifestyle, inferiority and superiority complexes,
neurosis, childhood memories, and social feelings. Also contains a chapter
on the consultant and patient relationship and a questionnaire for understanding
and treating difficult children.

Erikson, Erik Homburger. Identity, Youth, and Crisis. New York: W. W. Norton,
1968. An impressive summation of Erikson’s theories of human
nature and development and the importance of societal forces. Erikson
discusses his clinical observations, the life cycle and the formation of
identity, and case histories to illustrate identity confusion and other relevant
issues. This book carries forward concepts expressed in Childhood
and Society (1963).
Freud, Sigmund. A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis. New York: W. W.
Norton, 1977. An easy-to-read account of Freud’s complete theory of psychoanalysis.

Freud presents twenty-eight lectures to reveal major aspects
of his theory, essential details in his method of psychoanalysis, and the results
of his work. He also examines the psychology of errors, dream analysis
technique, and general theory of neurosis.
Greenwald, Harold, ed. Great Cases in Psychoanalysis. Reprint. New York:
Aronson, 1973. An outstanding source of case histories written by the theorists
themselves. Greenwald uses these case histories to portray the historical context of the psychoanalytic movement. These original case studies
provide insight into therapeutic methods used by the great analysts as
well as their assessments. Included are Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Carl
Jung, Karen Horney, and Harry Stack Sullivan.
Horney, Karen. The Neurotic Personality of Our Time. New York:W.W. Norton,
1937. This classic work contains Horney’s portrayal of the neurotic personality
and the relevance of cultural forces in the etiology of psychological
disturbances. This post-Freudian document examines Horney’s
theoretical conceptualizations, including basic anxiety, neurotic trends,
methods of adjustment, and the role played by culture.
Mitchell, Stephen A. Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic
Thought. New York: Basic Books, 1996. A short overview of psychoanalysis,
with chapters devoted to Sigmund Freud, Harry Stack Sullivan, Melanie
Klein, and other important thinkers.

Sullivan, Harry Stack. The Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry. New York: W. W.
Norton, 1953. A classic work on human development from an interpersonal
perspective. Sullivan provides a comprehensive overview of his theory
by describing his key concepts and developmental stages. He further
illustrates the application of his theory by focusing upon inappropriate
interpersonal relationships.
Joan Bartczak Cannon
See also: Analytical Psychology: Carl Jung; Dreams; Ego Psychology: Erik
Erikson; Individual Psychology: Alfred Adler; Psychoanalysis; Psychoanalytic
Psychology and Personality: Sigmund Freud; Social Psychological Models:
Erich Fromm; Social Psychological Models: Karen Horney; Women’s Psychology:
Karen Horney; Women’s Psychology: Sigmund Freud.