A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

How did Little Hans's fear of horses manifest according to Freud's analysis?

1. As a direct fear of animals

2. As a reflection of his fear of castration

3. As a fascination with riding

4. As a result of a traumatic event

The correct answer is: As a reflection of his fear of castration

Freud's analysis of Little Hans's fear of horses illustrates how phobias can be interpreted through the lens of psychoanalytic theory, particularly in the context of the Oedipus complex and castration anxiety. According to Freud, Little Hans's fear of horses was not merely a straightforward reaction to animals but symbolized deeper psychological issues related to his development. The fear was understood as a manifestation of his anxiety surrounding his relationship with his father and the perceived threat of castration if he expressed rivalrous feelings towards him. Freud posited that in Hans's mind, the horses represented his father, and the fear of being hurt by the horses was symbolic of his underlying fear of losing his father’s affection and facing punishment, which he interpreted as a fear of castration. This perspective aligns with Freud's broader theories on how childhood fears can often be projections of anxieties related to familial dynamics and unresolved conflicts. Understanding Hans’s fear this way emphasizes the importance of internal psychological conflicts and symbolic representation in the development of phobias.