Freud

Question 1

Background

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

To treat a young boy’s phobia of horses.
To provide evidence for Freud’s theory of the Oedipus complex and psychosexual development.

Question 3

Sample

Answer 3

One participant: Little Hans (real name Herbert Graf), a boy aged 3–5 from Vienna.
Middle-class background, studied over 2 years.

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

A longitudinal case study.
Data was gathered mainly through letters written by Hans’ father to Freud.
Hans’ dreams, fantasies, fears, and conversations were analyzed by Freud.
Freud interpreted Hans’ behaviour using psychoanalytic theory.

Question 5

Findings

Answer 5

Hans had a phobia of horses, especially those with black around the mouth and blinkers.
Freud believed the horse symbolized Hans’ father – the fear was a displaced fear of his father (linked to the Oedipus complex).
Hans also had fantasies that reflected wish-fulfilment and unconscious desires.

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

The study supported Freud’s theory of psychosexual development, especially the Oedipus complex.
Phobias can be a result of unconscious conflicts and displaced anxiety.
Psychoanalysis can be used to understand and treat such phobias.

Question 7

Individual Differences

Answer 7

The study shows how unconscious drives (like the Oedipus complex) can affect individuals differently.
Focuses on one unique child’s development and emotional struggles, highlighting how personal experience and internal conflict shape behaviour.

Question 8

Nurture

Answer 8

Hans’ fears were shaped by his early relationships (especially with his parents) and environment.

Question 9

Nature:

Answer 9

Freud believed unconscious drives (like the Oedipus complex) were universal and biologically based.

Question 10

Determinism

Answer 10

Freud believed behaviour is determined by unconscious forces outside our control.

Question 11

Holism

Answer 11

Case study approach considered Hans’ dreams, relationships, fears, and thoughts.

Question 12

Useful

Answer 12

Gave insights into child development, the unconscious mind, and phobias.

Question 13

Ethics

Answer 13

Concerns: Possible psychological harm, Hans was a child, no clear informed consent.
Defence: Hans’ father was involved and supportive; no direct harm reported.
✅ Link: Raises questions about ethics in case studies, especially with vulnerable participants.

Question 14

Oedipus Complex

Answer 14

When a young boy wants more attention from his mum
Feels jealous of dad and sees him as a rival
Wants to be like dad to solve this

Question 15

Castration anxiety/complex

Answer 15

The fear that dad will punish him (e.g. cut off his penis)
Happens because of feelings for mum
Helps boy give up these feelings and copy dad instead

Question 16

phobia

Answer 16

A strong, irrational fear of something
In Freud’s view, the fear is a symbol of something else (like a person or feeling)

Question 17

Psychoanalysis

Answer 17

Freud’s way of studying the mind
Tries to bring hidden thoughts (unconscious) into awareness
Uses things like dreams and talking to understand problems