Sigmund Freud’s Influence in Psychology

A Brief Overview

Psychology’s most influential and controversial thinker has to be Sigmund Freud. Freud’s work and theories helped create theories of childhood, personality, memory, sexuality, and therapy. Many other psychologists have contributed to the work that grew from Freud’s legacy. As well, Freud accelerated new ideas as many who were in opposition to his ideas proved that his theories were wrong and their ideas were correct.

Time Magazine in 2001 called Freud one of the most important thinkers of the last century. A Newsweek stated that he was “history’s most debunked doctor.” While his theories have been the subject of considerable controversy and debate, his impact on psychology, therapy, and culture is undeniable. Freud’s theories were enormously influential, but subject to considerable criticism both now and during his own life. However, his ideas have become interwoven into the fabric of our culture, with terms such as “Freudian slip,” “repression,” and “denial” appearing regularly in everyday language.

Freud’s ideas had such a strong impact on psychology that an entire school of thought emerged from his work. While it was eventually replaced by the rise of behaviorism, psychoanalysis had a lasting impact on both psychology and psychotherapy.

References

Freud File. (2010). Sigmund freud — life and work. Retrieved from http://www.freudfile.org/