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In 1966 Sigmund Freud and William C. Bullitt's book titled Thomas Woodrow Wilson, a Psychological Study (1967) was published. Several other psychobiographies of Wilson have subsequently been written. They offer a good comparison with the Freud-Bullitt* book, which I will highlight.
The psychoanalytic theory that Freud uses in this psychological study of Wilson is vintage Freudian libido theory. He does not use his later ego psychology. The description of Wilson's libido is convincing, as if it were lava flowing from an erupting volcano. His libido seems to force its way into direct or indirect expression and follow the pathway of any fissures or cracks in Wilson's psychic make-up. Unfortunately, the reader finds this libidinal metaphor so thoroughly mechanical that Wilson comes across as a helpless mannequin in whom various automatic or programmed mental processes take place. Wilson is robbed of his humanity and greatness and seen as a helpless victim of his own libido, with no free will. Even though he is portrayed as a victim he is also blamed for whatever has gone wrong under his leadership. The overall picture of Wilson and his personality is, therefore, very negative.
According to Freud, Wilson's personality was molded largely by his powerful father and an unresolved Oedipus complex. Young Wilson had a passive libidinal relationship with his “incomparable” Presbyterian minister father, Joseph Ruggles Wilson. His father