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This volume contains three basic contributions to the theory and technique of child analysis, as developed by Anna Freud. Part I, Introduction to the Technique of the Analysis of Children, consists of four lectures given by the author in 1926 to an audience of practicing and student analysts; part II, The Theory of Childrens' Analysis, is a lecture given in 1927 at a psychoanalytic congress; part III, Indications for Child Analysis, is an article published in 1945 in the Psychoanalytic Study of the Child.
In part I Anna Freud explained in detail the introductory period, which at that time, she considered necessary for beginning a child analysis. During this introductory phase she tried to gain the confidence of the child to give him insight into his illness. She aimed to create conditions similar to those which, in adult analysis, ensure the conscious coöperation of the patient. In describing the methods used with children (her experience then being confined to the analysis of children in the latency period) she discussed dreams, daydreams and drawings. She found that children, unlike adults, were unable to associate freely except for short periods and that because of their dependence on their parents they did not develop a transference neurosis. Transference reactions were observed, but not a true transference neurosis.
Because of the immaturity and the instability of the child's superego, Anna Freud at that time believed it necessary to supplement the analysis of children with educational procedures discussed at length in part II of the volume.
Part III, though pertaining to the special problem of indications for child analysis, gives insight into progress made in the field of child analysis since its early beginning. The analysis of defense mechanisms has been largely substituted for the older methods, such as the introductory period and educational measures. The main topic is the author's thesis that analysis in Childhood is