How Accurately Do Introductory Psychology Textbooks Present Psychoanalytic Theory?

Abstract

Previous studies have raised concerns about the quality of the coverage of psychoanalytic content in undergraduate psychology textbooks. The authors investigated the accuracy and currency of psychoanalytic content in top-selling introductory psychology textbooks. Across the textbooks, 2% to 18% of the paragraphs with psychoanalytic content included inaccurate or misleading statements. Consistent with previous research, this study raises concerns about the overall quality of the presentation of psychoanalytic theory to undergraduates. The authors offer suggestions both to textbook authors wishing to include the most accurate and up-to-date information and also to instructors concerned about selecting textbooks that present accurate and current psychoanalytic content.