O conceito de angústia na teoria freudiana: desenvolvimento e problematização

Abstract

This work has the purpose to analyze the Freudian concept of anxiety and discuss in what extent the hypothesis on anxiety provided from 1926 represent a novelty in the theory. The most widespread hypothesis among Freud`s interpreters is that he had formulated two theories about anxiety. At the first one, the anxiety is conceived like a sexual energy transformation that could not be adequately discharged. At the second, it is emphasized the idea of anxiety as a reaction to danger. However, there are authors who defend three moments in the anxiety theory. Therefore, it is possible to observe within the early Freudian formulations the idea of a signal that acts to prevent an even greater displeasure in the psychic apparatus. This signal would result from the activation of a mnemonic trace, which would be due to a painful experience of external origin. Thereby, it can be found at the initial stage of the Freudian theory the idea of an affect understood as a reaction to an external danger. Nevertheless, these considerations are presented more clearly and profoundly at the end of his work, at Inhibition, Symptom and Anxiety (1926).