Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Trauma Theory with Special Reference to Hysteria

Abstract

Trauma literature analyzes the influence of trauma on individuals and society by exploring the numerous arenas related to it. It explains the effects of traumatization on the individual and collective psyche. It also elucidates releasing these psychic conflicts and tensions in literature for catharsis to accomplish a better self- identity. Trauma literature also studies its psychological, linguistic, cultural, and social importance. It ably points out the tasks which memory plays in molding personal and social identities. However, recent researchers concluded that trauma dissociation is not analogous to repression, but new researchers could not go far beyond Freud’s interpretations despite technological advances in research. O’Sullivan writes that: for all the shortcomings in the concepts proposed by Freud and Breuer in ‘Studies in Hysteria’, the 21st century has brought no significant advances to a better understanding of the mechanisms for this disorder. This is acknowledged more publically now that Freud still “Looms quite large in our repertoire of explanations.” His insight and intuition in understanding subtle patterns of hidden traumas in the complex human psyche would still contribute to those working with hysteria which is now known as conversion disorder.