Psychoanalysis: The Major Concepts

In this important book, experts in the field survey current psychoanalytic theory, discussing its principles, technical aspects, clinical phenomena, and applications. The book is both an introduction to and a statement of mainstream American psychoanalysis today and will be a standard reference for psychoanalytic trainees, authors, and teachers. Under the direction of the editors and a distinguished panel of advisors, the contributors present a broad overview of more than forty key clinical and theoretical concepts. They define each concept, trace its historical development within psychoanalysis, describe its present status, discuss criticisms and controversies about it, and point out emerging trends. A selected reference list is supplied for each concept. Together, the articles provide a systematic examination of the theoretical infrastructure of psychoanalysis. The book has been designed as a companion volume to Psychoanalytic Terms and Concepts, a glossary edited by Drs. Moore and Fine under the auspices of the American Psychoanalytic Association.