Would Sigmund Freud Analyze Trump Through the Lens of Modern Psychology?

Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis, would not find Donald Trump particularly intriguing from a psychological standpoint. Trump, with his clear manifestations of narcissistic personality traits, would likely be seen as a case in need of understanding rather than traditional treatment.

Freud’s Psychological Assessment of Trump

Freud’s work centered around unconscious desires and the conflicts within the human psyche. In the case of a highly visible figure like Donald Trump, who exemplifies behaviors that Freud would likely label as exhibitions of malevolent narcissism, the focus would not be on changing his behavior. Instead, Freud might analyzeTrump as a symptom of a broader societal issue: the lack of a strong superego in modern society.

Freud would utilize his famed time machine to visualize a different scenario: Trump and Freud as superheroes fighting against evil. The supervillain in this story, could be a representation of the current political landscape where Trump is seen as a problematic leader with nefarious intentions, possibly embodying characteristics that Freud would diagnose as symptomatic of sociopathy.

The Decline of Psychoanalysis and the Rise of Object Relations Theory

Freud’s ideas about psychoanalysis and the concept of the superego are foundational to the field. However, in contemporary times, traditional psychoanalytic approaches have been questioned and replaced by newer theories, particularly Object Relations Theory. This shift reflects a changing societal landscape where the forces that shaped Freudian superego are no longer as prevalent.

In the modern world, people are less constrained by societal norms and more influenced by their innate emotional states and interpersonal relationships. This has led to the rise of phenomena such as “borderline personality,” more common in individuals who were raised in permissive and laissez-faire environments. The absence of a strong superego in today's society is increasingly seen as a return to a more primitive state of being, one that is more in tune with our basic instincts and desires.

Comparative Analysis of Psychopathology in Modern Society

Freud’s idea of “Nature,” in this new context, does not refer to the natural world but rather to the unstructured and often chaotic nature of human behavior. It highlights how a lack of societal structure can lead to psychological disorders. Freud was brought up in a structured environment, which resulted in his development of certain psychological issues. This structured environment provided a framework for his mind, whereas a less structured upbringing (laissez-faire) might result in other psychological issues, such as narcissism.

The comparison here is between two extremes: a structure-heavy environment (traditional civilization) versus a structure-light environment (nature or permissive upbringing). Both can lead to psychological issues, with different manifestations depending on the individual's background and the prevailing societal pressures.

Conclusion

Donald Trump, as a figure who has captured the imagination and loyalty of many, could be seen as a direct product of the modern environment that lacks strong constraints and societal norms. While Freud might not find traditional psychoanalytic treatment useful in Trump’s case, he might instead view Trump as a symptom of a broader societal issue. This does not detract from the importance of understanding the underlying psychological dynamics in individuals like Trump; rather, it suggests that the framework under which we understand these dynamics has evolved.

The takeaway is that while Freud’s theories remain relevant, they must be adapted to fit the modern context. Contemporary psychology emphasizes the importance of understanding individual differences and the influence of interpersonal relationships, rather than focusing solely on internal conflicts.