Interdisciplinary Futures

Psychohistory and psychoanalysis are clearly not in the mainstream of scientific research in Finland. Psychohistorical research is done actively by only a few individuals in departments of history and psychology. Finnish psychoanalysts are no longer in leading posts in psychiatric institutions. They are mainly active in their two associations, one Freudian and the other more independently psychoanalytic. These associations concentrate primarily on training and internal discussions. Some practicing psychoanalysts write articles, but little psychoanalytic research is carried out. However, in some instances, theories are applied in the humanities and the social sciences. This marginal position of psychohistory and psychoanalysis is well-known in other countries as well. The tide has turned against these once promising disciplines. Let us turn back to some more promising beginnings.