Freud's psychoanalysis of Edith Banfield Jackson, 1930-1936

J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry. 2003 Winter;31(4):609-25. doi: 10.1521/jaap.31.4.609.23009.

Abstract

This paper is a historical study of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis of Edith Banfield Jackson. It relies on primary sources, including unpublished correspondence, to describe her background, the analysis itself, and her subsequent life. This analysis, which began in 1930, had both clinical and training purposes. Freud's actual methods are contrasted with his published recommendations in terms of anonymity, neutrality, and confidentiality. During this analysis, Sigmund Freud took on a number of roles in Edith Jackson's life, including teacher, commentator, social intermediary, recipient of her translation services, and recipient of her philanthropic donations. These roles are described in detail. The implications of Freud's actual methods in this case are fully discussed. Since Freud did not describe the methods he used in this case, they cannot be replicated, and, for clinical purposes, they are lost to history.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Austria
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / history
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy
  • Female
  • Freudian Theory / history*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Psychoanalysis / history*
  • Psychoanalysis / methods
  • United States

Personal name as subject

  • Edith Banfield Jackson
  • Sigmund Freud