The Mental Hygiene of Childhood
Author: William Alanson White
Publisher:
Published: 1919
Total Pages: 220
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOK"This book neither purports to be an exhaustive account of the psychology of the child and of the relation between parents and children, nor does it aim at setting forth only the individual opinions of the author on these two subjects. It is intended to be an examination of them from the point of view which has recently been developed in psychology by that branch of it known as psycho-analysis, and sets forth the conclusions which have been reached by many investigators and which are deemed of importance in illuminating the subject in hand, namely, the mental hygiene of childhood. In presenting this subject of the mental hygiene of childhood I have believed that the best purpose would be served by emphasizing two conclusions, one concerning the child and one concerning the family. The conclusion concerning the child is that, contrary to generally held opinions, it is possessed of a developing sexuality, the roots of which reach back into its infancy. The conclusion concerning the family is also contrary to the opinions regarding that institution commonly held, namely, that there reside within its organization and as a part of its nature certain disruptive tendencies. I have felt that the recognition of these two facts was of the very first importance and have tried to set them forth in a way that would not only help to their understanding, but would also indicate how their recognition, and the incorporation of that recognition as a factor in regulating the life of the child, would be productive of far-reaching results to the advantage of the race. If this book serves its purpose in securing a hearing for these views, the reader may naturally feel a desire to pursue the subject further. I would suggest to such a reader the few works to which reference is made in the footnotes"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).