Catalogue description British Psychoanalytical Society 'Controversial Discussions'

Between October 1942 and February 1944 members of the British Psychoanalitical Society held a protracted series of meetings which became known as the 'Controversial Discussions'. At these meetings papers were presented and discussed exploring differences between adherents of 'classical' Freudian theory and analysis, represented by Anna Freud, su pporters of the theories and methods of Melanie Klein, and a 'Middle' (later Independent) group moderating between the two. The outcome was an agreement (which still holds) to co-exist with separate training divisions within the Society. These papers comprise duplicated copies of the papers and discussions circulated to members, and papers concerning the Report of the Training Committee which arose from the 'Controversial Discussions, in particular the views of the Committee's chair, Edward Glover. [Cf. Complementary papers in archives of British Psychoanalytical Society and Institute of Psychoanalysis, particularly series re Scientific Meetings known as the Controversial Discussions (ref. S-B-01-D) and folders of General Training Papers for 1943 and 1944 (S-D-02-03 and S-D-02-04).] There is also a small group of British Psychoanalytical Society and Institute of Psychonalysis business papers, including revised Rules of the Society.

British Psychoanalytical Society