Hello, I am João Barros, psychoanalyst with specialization in child development. Today we will explore a fascinating theme: the children’s phobias. You may have heard about the case of “Little Hans”, a classic study by Sigmund Freud. In this article, we will dive into Freud’s interpretation of children’s phobias and better understand how they develop.
Introduction to Children’s Phobias
Phobias are irrational fears that can affect people of all ages, including children. In the case of children, these fears can be particularly intense and influence their daily behavior. It is common to see children afraid of the dark, animals or even certain social situations.
These fears may seem trivial to adults, but for children, they are very real and can cause great discomfort. It is important to understand that children’s phobias are not only passing “phases”, but indicators of deeper questions related to the child’s emotional development.
The case of “little hans”
One of the most famous cases studied by Freud is that of “Little Hans”, a five -year -old boy who developed an intense horsepower phobia. This case has been documented in detail by Freud and offers valuable insights on the origin and treatment of children’s phobias.
“Little Hans” began to have anxiety symptoms whenever he saw horses, which soon turned into a phobia. Freud worked with the boy’s parents to better understand the cause of this phobia and develop a therapeutic approach.
Freud’s interpretation
According to Freud, children’s phobias are the result of unresolved internal conflicts. In the case of “little hans”, the phobia of horses was a manifestation of his anxiety about his father. The boy feared being overcome by his father and this competition was reflected in his phobia.
Freud also highlighted the importance of the Oedipus complex in this context. The theory suggests that children go through a phase in which they wish exclusively the attention of the parent of the opposite sex, which can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety.
Implications for everyday life
Understanding children’s phobias is crucial to parents and educators. By recognizing these fears as signs of deeper questions, we can adopt more effective approaches to helping children overcome them.
This can include gradual exposure techniques to the object of phobia, teaching coping strategies and providing a safe and welcoming environment for the child to feel comfortable expressing their fears.
In addition, it is essential to address underlying issues that may be contributing to the development of phobia. This may involve therapeutic work with the child and, in some cases, with the family as a whole.
Conclusion
Children’s phobias are more than just passing fears; They are indicators of deep emotional issues. The case of “Little Hans” offers us a window to better understand these fears and how to approach them.
By applying the principles ofpsychoanalysis, we can help children overcome their phobias and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, support and understanding are fundamental to children’s emotional well-being.
I hope this article has been informative and useful. If you have any questions or comment, feel free to share. I’m here to help!
