While many have only made small contributions—falling into literal

obscurity over time—several prominent individuals have developed theories that,

while having noted controversies, have withstood the test of time.

Such is the case with Sigmund Freud and his development of psychoanalytic theory.

In order to fully understand the contribution that Freud made to the

discipline of psychology, this investigation considers both Freud’s work

and his theoretical proposition on the development of personality.

By examining Freud’s contribution to psychology, it will be possible to

demonstrate why Freud’s theories continue to remain

a lynchpin of educational development in psychology.

Before the specifics of Freud’s view on the structure of personality can be discussed,

a consideration of psychoanalytic theory and its basic tenets is first warranted.

By examining the underlying philosophies of psychoanalytic theory first,

it will be possible to provide a broad framework for understanding Freud’s basic ideologies overall.

From this point, it will then be possible to narrow the subject so that a

critical examination of Freud’s structure of personality can be effectively delineated.

Exploring the central philosophies of psychoanalytic therapy, an author notes the following:

“Human beings are basically determined by psychic energy and by early experiences.

Unconscious motives and conflicts are central in present behavior.

Irrational forces are strong; the person is driven by sexual and aggressive impulses”.

Covey further notes that understanding early childhood development is

essential to the process of therapy as repressed conflicts from this period

are often the root cause of dysfunctional behavior.

Thus, the importance of the development and structure of personality become evident.