PSYCHOANALYSIS • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Psychoanalysis

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noun

Psychoanalysis n.

A method or process of psychotherapeutic analysis and treatment pf psychoneuroses, based on the work of Dr. Sigmund Freud (1856- 1939) of Vienna. The method rests upon the theory that neurosis is characteristically due to repression of desires consciously rejected but subconsciously persistent; it consists in a close analysis of the patient's mental history, effort being made to bring unconsciuos and preconscious material to consciousness; the methods include analysis of transferance and resistance. In some variants, stress is laid upon the dream life, and of treatment by means of suggestion.

The theory of human psychology which is the foundation for the psychoanalytic therapy, which explores the relation between conscious and unconscious mental processes in motivating human behavior and causing neuroses.

An integrated set of theories of human personality development, motivation, and behavior based on a body of observations.

One of several schools of psychotherapy, such as jungian psychoanalysis or freudian psychoanalysis.

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Etymology of 'Psychoanalysis'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Psychoanalysis" Quotes from Famous Books

... flavour of popularized psychoanalysis about this, and the doctor drew in the corners of his mouth and gave his head a critical slant. "M'm." But this only made Sir Richmond raise his voice and quicken his speech. "I want," he said, "a good tonic. A pick-me-up, a stimulating harmless drug of some sort. That's ...

— The Secret Places of the Heart • H. G. Wells

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