A Qualitative Study on Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory from an Indian Perspective

Monmi Mozinder Baruah; Kavya Vijayan

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72899

A Qualitative Study on Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory from an Indian Perspective

Author(s)	Ms. Monmi Mozinder Baruah, Ms. Kavya Vijayan
Country	India
Abstract	The psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud altered the understanding of the human mind in the late 19th century. Though this theory influenced the Western world, its application in non-Western countries, particularly India, has been questioned. Indian scholars scrutinized Freud’s theory and adapted it to follow the indigenized tradition. This study examines Freud’s psychoanalytic theory from an Indian perspective using qualitative research methods. It explores how his concept correlates with Indian belief systems, shared values, family structures, and religious traditions. The research is done using content analysis of theoretical and literary works that are relevant to psychoanalysis and Indian culture. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Indian scholars and psychoanalysts to gather their diverse views on the topic of study and to draw a conclusion. Data analysis was done to identify cultural adaptations, reinterpretations, and critiques of Freud’s psychoanalytic concepts. The results indicate that Freud’s ideas conflict with Indian collective family structures and relational identity notions. Indian scholars reinterpreted Freud’s theory to associate it with indigenous traditions, belief systems, and cultural values. Freud’s dream analysis and repression emphasize a collective identity rather than an individual one, which is against the socio-cultural milieu of India. In addition, the Oedipus and Electra complexes are largely irrelevant in the Indian family structure. The Indian perspective highlights the importance of indigenous values and collective identities in shaping psychoanalysis. The findings also suggest that, along with cultural adaptation and contextual reinterpretation, Freud’s psychoanalytic theory can be applied universally.
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-29
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72899

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A Qualitative Study on Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory from an Indian Perspective

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