ANNA FREUD’S CHILD PSYCHOANALYSIS: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE AND MODERN UKRAINIAN REALITIES

Abstract

The article examines the relevance of Anna Freud’s psychoanalytic concepts, particularly her contributions to child psychoanalysis and egopsychology in the context of contemporary Ukrainian realities. It explores the professional and scholarly legacy of the British scientist, emphasizing her input into the development of practical methods of child psychotherapy and the deepened understanding of defense mechanisms.By analyzing her fundamental works, the study investigates psychological mechanisms of adaptation, traumatization, and resilience, which are critically important for understanding the needs of Ukrainian children affected by the negative impact of military actions. Special attention is given to aspects such as separation from parents, loss of a sense of safety, reactions to traumatic events, and the long-term consequences of war on child development. The study highlights the exceptional importance of A. Freud’s legacy for the development of effective strategies for psychological assistance and rehabilitation. This knowledge helps to grasp the scope of the issues and to determine priority areas of work for modern Ukrainian psychologists in creating effective strategies for supporting and assisting children. It demonstrated that Freud’s psychoanalytic methods can serve as a methodological foundation for research conducted by contemporary Ukrainian psychologists.Through a theoretical analysis of Freud’s works, this study substantiates the contemporary relevance of her concepts for Ukrainian psychological practice, particularly in addressing current wartime needs. The research demonstrates how Freud’s theoretical frameworks and practical methods, developed during World War II, provide critical insights for understanding the scale of trauma and identifying priority interventions. These findings offer Ukrainian psychologists a validated foundation for developing effective strategies to support war-affected children, emphasizing trauma-informed care and resilience-building approaches.