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Chapter 2: Problem 14

Explain how the concept of resistance can be viewed both as a major contribution to our knowledge and as a way for Freud to protect his theory against attack.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Resistance as a concept in Freudian psychoanalysis contributes to our knowledge by illuminating how the human mind uses defense mechanisms to avoid distressing memories. At the same time, Freud employed this idea as a shield when his theory came under scrutiny, suggesting critics' skepticism was a sign of their own psychological resistance.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Contribution of Resistance to Psychoanalytical Theory

Resistance is a central component in Freudian psychoanalysis. It denotes the tendency of patients to resist the recall of painful or distressing experiences during their therapy sessions. This concept contributes significantly to our understanding of human psychology as it sheds light on defense mechanisms employed by the human mind to cope with traumatic experiences. Understanding resistance helps psychologists better comprehend human behaviour and emotions.
02

Understanding How Resistance Serves as a Defense for Freud's Theory

Freud's psychoanalytical theory attracted significant criticism, with some skeptics citing the difficulties encountered in empirically proving its assumptions. Resistance was one such point of contention. Freud used the concept of resistance as a defense, arguing that critics' skepticism was a manifestation of their own resistance against accepting uncomfortable truths. He posited that the act of doubting the existence of repressed memories and their influence on behavior demonstrated one's resistance.
03

Synthesizing both Aspects

We can now understand that the concept of resistance adds to the field of psychology by offering insights into how individuals deal with uncomfortable or traumatic past experiences. Furthermore, we can see how Freud used this concept to defend his theory against critiques, stating that their skepticism was a form of resistance in itself.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How might Freud's personality and life experiences have influenced: (a) his conclusions regarding the Oedipus complex? (b) his belief that nearly all of personality is unconscious?

By today's standards, Freud's views of women were clearly biased. To what extent (if any) should criticism of Freud take into account the era in which he lived?

A young woman dreams that she rushes to catch a train but gets to the station too late, the train leaves without her, and there are no more trains to her destination for several weeks. On the surface, it appears that the dreamer has been disappointed. How might this dream be interpreted to support Freud's belief that virtually every dream fulfills some wish of the dreamer?

Give an example from your own life, or from the life of someone you know well, which shows that anxiety can be just as painful as (or even more painful than) a physical injury.

How might you (or even Freud himself) use psychoanalytic constructs to make better decisions and live a more fulfilling life?
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