Anna Freud: A New Look at Development

This paper is a summary of Anna Freud's important contribution to our understanding of child development and its deviations. It highlights her concern for the whole child, both his internal and external world and their mutual interactions. An example is given of changes in the law with regard to children in which her views were influential. Vignettes are given showing the evolution of her thinking regarding treatment techniques in the light of the widening range of developmental disturbances and presenting problems.