Freud, S. (1909)
Analysis of a phobia of a five year old boy. In The Pelican Freud Library (1977), Vol 8, Case Histories 1, pages 169-306
We have already looked at some of the major Freudian ideas. Freud offers this case study (along with many others) as support for his theories of unconscious determinism, psychosexual development, the Oedipus complex, phobias and psychoanalytic therapy.
The case study of ‘Little Hans’ is one of the more unusual case studies. It is the only one of Freud’s case studies dealing with a child and the therapy was conducted through correspondence with Han’s father rather than with the child himself. Hans was three years old at the start of the study and six when Freud published the study.
Why did Hans’ father contact Freud? What aspects of Han’s behaviour was he concerned about?
Hans was analysed and treated through his father (who was a firm believer in Freud’s theory) based on his reports of Hans’ behaviour and statements. Treatment was achieved through:
1. inferring the unconscious causes of Hans’ behaviour through interpretation and decoding of Freudian symbols.
2. confronting Hans with the unconscious causes by revealing to him his hidden motivations and consciously discussing them.
How were the following incidents interpreted?
1. Fear of bath
2. Taking the small giraffe from the bigger one.
3. Fear of being bitten by white horses
4. Fantasy of being father with his mother
Hans is reported as having “a lively interest in his widdler”. Freud used this as evidence that Hans was in which stage of psychosexual development?
Explain what Freud meant by the ‘Oedipal Complex (or conflict)’.
What evidence is there in this case study for the existence of the Oedipal complex?
Freud interpreted Hans’ fear of horses as symbolic of his fear of his father. What other explanation might there be for this fear?
Read the following extract of conversation between Hans and his father:
Father: When the horse fell down did you think of your daddy?
Hans: Perhaps. Yes. It’s possible.
Suggest one problem with this type of questioning.
What would have been a better question?
Do you think Hans was abnormal? Give reasons for your answer.
This was a case study. What are the advantages and disadvantages of case studies?