ABSTRACT
This chapter explores Freud’s ideas and theories, and considers evidence for some of the claims. Anxiety is of central importance in Freudian theory and explains the reason for having defence mechanisms and demonstrates the operation and function of the different personality structures id, ego and superego. The chapter considers what Freud meant by the terms unconscious, preconscious and conscious in relation to mental processes. It looks at the three levels of awareness proposed by Freud unconscious, preconscious and conscious. One of Freud's lasting contributions to the psychology of child and lifespan development was to highlight and emphasise the importance of early childhood to the adult personality. Whilst many developmental psychologists fundamentally disagree with Freud's claims about psychosexual development, what is not now at issue is that early experiences are of critical importance. A common criticism of Freud's case studies is that their findings cannot be generalised and that, therefore, it is invalid to apply Freudian concepts to all people.
