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J. General Psychology, 1950, 42, 103–157.
This is a critical analysis of the theories and methods of treatment of the 'Chicago School' as described in Psychoanalytic Therapy: Principles and Application by Alexander, French and others. Their deviations in theory and technique from those of Freudian analysis are described in some detail.
The Chicago theories cannot rank as a stage in the development of the classical tradition of psycho-analysis; this 'sixth period' shows little sign of organic derivation from the previous line of analytic development. The main thesis is that Alexander and French's methods are not in any real sense psycho-analytic, although described as such.
Alexander's definition of neurosis is superficial, nearer in type to Adler's conceptions than Freud's: his views regarding the origin of neurosis are not validly derived, since he discounts the importance of infantile traumata and leaves the genesis of the neurosis unexamined. His theory of transference and resistance approximates to the Adlerian concepts—neurotic withdrawal from difficult life-situation and resort to infantile fantasy gratification.
They claim to have a new technique for the handling of transference and regret the inordinate length of psycho-analytic treatment, which they attribute in part to the faulty handling of transference. Eissler criticizes the remedies they propose for handling this problem.
Regarding the results of their treatment, even in their own descriptions of their therapeutic achievements,