ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that how the objections related to the valid formulation of repression aetiology can be overcome. It deals with some of Adolf Grunbaum’s objections related to the fallacious causal inferences in the clinical setting. People coming for training in psychoanalysis are essentially normal. As more and more studies are replicated with different population groups, the results of the studies can be made more reliable and more generalizable. From this point of view psychoanalysis has a very desirable population group. Most aetiological hypotheses in psychoanalysis are related to childhood experiences. The Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis conducted a carefully controlled inquiry to test the results of psychoanalytic therapy in follow-up studies. Gathering further evidence for psychoanalysis through outcome studies is important, not simply to improve support for existing practices, but far more to generate a change of attitude in psychoanalytic practitioners. The chapter concludes with Peter Fonagy’s cautionary advice: Psychoanalysis needs.
