Abstract
A GOOD and clear translation of Freud's short essay on group psychology is given by Mr. Strachey. The work begins by a brief examination of the views of earlier writers, particularly of Le Bon and M'Dougall. Freud's own method of approach to social psychology is naturally by way of an analysis of the motives of individual behaviour. He treats the group as a collection of persons bound together by some form of love relationship, and to the formation of the group ascribes what to many will appear to be an overweighted importance to the leader. His discussions of the phenomena of “identification,” and of the relations of “being in love and hypnosis,” are interesting in themselves; but his application of the results of his discussions to the explanation of social behaviour is not convincing.
Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego.
By Dr. Sigm. Freud. Authorised translation by James Strachey. (The International Psycho-Analytical Library, No. 6.) Pp. v + 134. (London: G.Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 1922.) 7s. 6d. net.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego. Nature 111, 321 (1923). https://doi.org/10.1038/111321d0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/111321d0