'Psychoanalysis' definitions:

Definition of 'psychoanalysis'

(from WordNet)
noun
A set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud; "his physician recommended psychoanalysis" [syn: psychoanalysis, analysis, depth psychology]

Definition of 'Psychoanalysis'

From: GCIDE
  • Psychoanalysis \Psy`cho*a*nal"y*sis\, n.
  • 1. A method or process of psychotherapeutic analysis and treatment pf psychoneuroses, based on the work of Dr. Sigmund Freud (1856- 1939) of Vienna. The method rests upon the theory that neurosis is characteristically due to repression of desires consciously rejected but subconsciously persistent; it consists in a close analysis of the patient's mental history, effort being made to bring unconsciuos and preconscious material to consciousness; the methods include analysis of transferance and resistance. In some variants, stress is laid upon the dream life, and of treatment by means of suggestion. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
  • 2. The theory of human psychology which is the foundation for the psychoanalytic therapy, which explores the relation between conscious and unconscious mental processes in motivating human behavior and causing neuroses. [PJC]
  • 3. An integrated set of theories of human personality development, motivation, and behavior based on a body of observations. --[Stedman] [PJC]
  • 4. One of several schools of psychotherapy, such as {jungian psychoanalysis} or freudian psychoanalysis. --[Stedman] [PJC] -- {Psy`cho*an`a*lyt"ic}, a.; {Psych`o*an"al*ist}, n., etc. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

Synonyms of 'psychoanalysis'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Psychoanalysis'