How would the Little Hans case be handled today?

Abstract

The case of Little Hans is a fundamental study in psychoanalysis, providing a practical application of Freud's theories and illustrating the complexity of childhood emotional development. The analysis of Hans' phobia offers a detailed insight into how psychoanalytic concepts can be used to understand and treat emotional issues. While the study has been influential and has made a significant contribution to psychoanalysis, it has also generated criticism that highlights the need for a more critical analysis and consideration of alternative approaches in the field of child psychology. The case of Hans continues to be an important point of reference and debate in the history of psychoanalysis and in the understanding of psychic development. This work aims to analyze whether the therapeutic process described by Freud in the case of Little Hans would be possible today, opting for qualitative research methodology, supported by a bibliographic review. Considering that even those who don't wish to appropriate Freudian contexts, authors such as Bernard Charlot and Mariana Kupfer highlight the relevance of the individuality and subjectivity of the subject who, despite being singular, is subject to a plural reality, and consequently their behavior and psychic perspectives have various crossings. The question therefore arises: is Little Hans currently being listened to or medicalized?