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Freud or Klein: conflict or compromise
1Anna Freud Centre, Hampstead, London.
The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Kleinian technique has evolved, potentially reverting to Freudian practices, especially concerning transference. Divergent views on transference, particularly its inclusion of countertransference, highlight fundamental differences between Kleinian and Freudian psychoanalysis.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychological theory
Background:
- Significant changes in Kleinian technique have emerged since the Freud-Klein controversies.
- These shifts may indicate unacknowledged theoretical changes and a potential return to Freudian practices, though applicability to child analysis remains unclear.
Observation:
- Kleinian psychoanalysis views transference globally as 'the total situation'.
- Most Kleinians extend this to include countertransference phenomena.
- Freudians acknowledge transference pervades clinical situations but view the broad Kleinian concept as obscuring psychic conflict's diversity.
Findings:
- The understanding and handling of transference represent a key divergence between Kleinian and Freudian psychoanalysis.
- Kleinian approach integrates transference and countertransference, while Freudian approach distinguishes them to capture conflict intricacies.
Implications:
- Fundamental differences in clinical practice and theory between Kleinian and Freudian psychoanalysis may be irreconcilable.
- Acknowledging these differences is beneficial for both psychoanalytic groups.