The Development of Psychoanalytic Theory in
Historical and Cultural Context

Sigmund Freud changed the way we view human behavior and motivation. How did a young Jewish man living in Europe develop such radical ideas? What influence did his family play in the development of his theory? What was the role of women at that time? How did Freud's relationship with his mother contribute to his ideas regarding Oedipus and Electra complexes? How did Freud's Judaism influence his social life and the way he perceived the world?

This project will engage students in a discovery of the early life of Sigmund Freud and his later professional life. By linking to the Library of Congress and other online sources, we will explore Freud's personal and professional development. We will generate questions and hypothesize about the influence of culture and historical events on Freud's life and theory.

This site is designed to be a supplemental resource for counselors, psychologists, social workers, or any individual who is interested in human behavior and motivation. It is my hope that the questions proposed here will stimulate interest in the development of all counseling theories. I hope that the visitors to this site will be encouraged to think of how their own life experiences have influenced their own beliefs about behavior and motivation.

Overview of Project