Psychologys Grand Theorists: How Personal Experiences Shaped Professional Ideas

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Psychology's Grand Theorists argues that the three schools in psychology that have been dominant historically--the psychodynamic, behavioral, and phenomenological--have resulted in large part from the personal experiences of their originators. Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, and Carl Rogers each believed that he had discovered the truth about human nature, yet their truths are entirely different. This book explores how the lives of these men influenced the divergent theories they developed, through a close examination of letters, diaries, biographies, autobiographies, and professional writings. Uncovering the subjective sources of these theories, the book gives the reader a greater sense of intimacy with each man's ideas, and promotes critical inquiry into their scientific status. The book is written in an engaging style that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Intended as a supplement in courses on personality, clinical psychology, and/or the history of psychology, it will also be of interest to clinicians or counselors who use one or more of these theoretical models in their therapeutic work.

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TeAM YYeP G Digitally signed by TeAM YYePG DN: cn=TeAM YYePG, c=US, o=TeAM YYePG, ou=TeAM YYePG, [email protected] Reason: I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Date: 2005.06.16 16:29:31 +08'00' PSYCHOLOGY'S GRAND THEORISTS How Personal Experiences Shaped Professional Ideas This page intentionally left blank PSYCHOLOGY'S GRAND THEORISTS How Personal Experiences Shaped Professional Ideas Amy Demorest Amherst College 2005 LAWRENCE ERLBAUM ASSOCIATES, PUBLISHERS Mahwah, New Jersey London Senior Editor: Editorial Assistant: Cover Design: Textbook Production Manager: Full-Service Compositor: Text and Cover Printer: Debra Riegert Kerry Breen Kathryn Houghtaling Lacey Paul Smolenski TechBooks Sheridan Books, Inc. Cover art by Robert T. Sweeney, depicting Sigmund Freud, B. F. Skinner, and Carl Rogers. This book was typeset in 10/12 pt. Times, Italic, Bold, and Bold Italic. The heads were typeset in Americana, Americana Italic, and Americana Bold. Copyright © 2005 by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, microform, retrieval system, or any other means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers 10 Industrial Avenue Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 www.erlbaum.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Demorest, Amy. Psychology's grand theorists: how personal experiences shaped professional ideas / Amy Demorest. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8058-5107-0 (alk. paper)—ISBN 0-8058-5108-9 (pbk.: alk. paper) 1. Psychologists—Biography. 2. Psychologists—Psychology. 3. Psychology— History. 4. Freud, Sigmund, 1856-1939. 5. Skinner, B. F. (Burrhus Frederic), 1904-1990 6. Rogers, Carl R. (Carl Ransom), 1902-1987 I. Title. BF109.A1D45 2004 150.19—dc22 Books published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates are printed on acid-free paper, and their bindings are chosen for strength and durability. Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 2004007577 To My Father This page intentionally left blank Contents Preface ix I . Introduction Method of Analysis Notes References 01 07 18 18 2. The Psychodynamic Approach: Sigmund Freud Work Early Case Study The Theory A Return to the Irma Dream Life Childhood Childhood Patterns Revisited in Adulthood Adulthood Conclusion Suggested Readings Notes 20 25 25 31 37 43 44 50 62 66 69 70 3.