The psychology of fear

Abstract

Psychologically as well as biologically, fear is a warning of danger to the life impulses; but psychologically it is always the sign that the urge of life within is demanding expression. This is why psychoanalysis devotes itself to the study of those things which impede this expression. The psychoanalyst devotes himself to the task of removing the débris which is found in the mind of his subject. To him, fear is a potentiality which must be converted into an asset instead of a liability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1929 American Psychological Association.