Learn how Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic Theory of Personality explains our minds in this free online psychology course.

Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality is one of history’s most influential psychological theories. It provides a window into the inner workings of the human mind and the different levels of consciousness. This psychology course provides an in-depth understanding of the psychoanalytical theories of the Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis. We explore the foundational concepts of psychoanalytic theory and define important terms like ‘id’, ‘ego’ and ‘superego’. We also demonstrate the techniques used by Freud to develop his theories.

This course lays out the various components of psychoanalytic theory, including the unconscious, repressed memory, defence mechanisms and dream analysis. We also explain how such psychoanalytical theory relates to clinical practice and investigates its practical applications. We examine the different types of psychotherapies used in psychoanalytic practice, such as free association, dream interpretation and the use of transference.

This course offers you a comprehensive understanding of the psychoanalytic theory of personality and its applications. If you are interested in what drives human thought and behaviour, this psychology course delves into the work of one of the world’s most influential thinkers to help you understand Freudian theory and how to apply it practically.