specific fear because it is not focused on a specific area but is rather diffused over a large area. One may try to cope with anxiety by consciously holding back his thoughts, and eventually these thoughts become part of the subconscious. This holding back is known as repression. Repression, however, is not complete, as through methods of psychoanalysis the hidden feelings seep out through slips of the tongue. Another way people try to cope is to retreat to a place where they feel safe. This retreat is known as regression. Repression and regression are examples of defense mechanisms, which are used by some to redirect their anxiety.Psychoanalysis itself is a long, hard process. There are very few traditional psychoanalysts who practice today, who follow all of Freud’s theories about the mind, although most practitioners in the psychological field were influenced by the ideas set forth by Freud. Why do most of today’s modern psychologists not follow the teachings of Freud, and what problems do they see in Freud’s theory? The answer is that many specific ideas of Freud’s theory have been refuted by recent medical research. Firstly, there is new research that shows that the development of the human mind is a life-long process and does not last, as Freud said, only through childhood. Conflicts can arise at any time of life, and can be rooted to any specific incident. Also, the idea that a boy resolves the Oedipus complex during the phallic stage is under scrutiny. Boys gain an idea of being male at an earlier age and gain this identity even without a father present. The same holds true for girls and the Electra complex. Freud’s theory of dreams is also disputed today, as many psychologists believe that dreams are a method of disguising wishes and are not, as Freud said, to be viewed as a method for determining the source of conflict. Some critics of psychoanalysis say that the assumptions made ...
