Neo-Freudian Psychoanalysis

The term neo-Freudian psychoanalysis has been loosely defined to include a wide variety of post-Freudian viewpoints and, at times, has included the work of Alfred Adler, Carl Jung, Karen Horney, Erich Fromm, and Harry Stack Sullivan. Horney and Fromm have emerged as the most prominent spokespersons for this sociocultural offshoot of classical psychoanalytic theory. Both Horney and Fromm are also classified as “character analysts.” A major thrust of their work centers on character types that emerge as a result of interaction with an ill society. The neo-Freudian character analysts have contributed significantly more in the area of developmental theory and psychopathology than in psychotherapy process. Neo-Freudian ideas have often been described as a blend of psychotherapy, social science, and literary movement.