Question

Many contemporary psychologists do not support much of what Freud believed (e.g., the psychosexual stages), yet many of his ideas persist. What is the one thing that you think we can take away from his ideas? In other words, which belief/concept do you feel may truly apply to human personality? Why?

Answer 1

Sigmund Freud's contribution to the field of psychology is unquestionable. He introduced many new concepts to the field of psychology. His main contribution to understand the personality of human beings are:

• The unconscious mind and sex drive (libido)
• The concept of id, ego, and super ego
• The defense mechanisms
• The psychosexual stages of personality development.
• Psychoanalysis.

Freud was most criticized for his overemphasis of the innate sec drive to be the most important drive of all other drives that regulates human behavior and shapes the personality of the individuals. But still the concept of defence mechanisms, the interplay of id, ego, super ego in shaping the personality of an individual, the effect of childhood trauma on the personality of an individual are still very relevant today. These concepts or ideas of Freud can very well define the various aspects of the personality of an individual. As for example childhood trauma shape the individual's perspective towards life and stays with them for their life time. Thus, it becomes a guiding factor in the personality of the individual.