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| Viktor Frankly Museum, Vienna, Austria |
Viktor Frankl: Concepts and Theories
I first read Frankl's book as an undergraduate in psychology. His observations led to practical interventions in psychotherapy. In Vienna, I visited his place of work now preserved as a museum as pictured above.
Viktor Emil Frankl (March 26, 1905 – September 2, 1997) was an Austrian psychiatrist, neurologist, and Holocaust survivor who founded Logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the search for meaning in life as the primary motivational force for humans.
Will to Meaning: Frankl believed that the primary motivational force in humans is the pursuit of meaning in life, rather than pleasure (as proposed by Freud) or power (as proposed by Adler).
Meaning of Life: According to Frankl, life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones. This meaning can be found through work, love, suffering, and by adopting a particular attitude towards unavoidable suffering.
Freedom of Will: Frankl emphasized that humans have the freedom to choose their attitudes and responses to life's challenges, even when they cannot change their circumstances.
Existential Vacuum: This concept refers to a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose that individuals may experience, which can lead to feelings of meaninglessness and existential frustration.
Paradoxical Intention: A technique used in Logotherapy where individuals are encouraged to confront their fears by intentionally exaggerating them, thereby reducing their anxiety.
Dereflection: This technique involves shifting focus away from oneself and towards others or external tasks, helping individuals overcome self-centered worries and anxieties.
Tragic Triad: Frankl identified three sources of existential frustration: unavoidable suffering, unavoidable guilt, and irremediable loss. He believed that finding meaning in these experiences is crucial for psychological well-being.
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About Viktor Frankl
Born in Vienna, Frankl studied psychology and philosophy, and corresponded with Sigmund Freud as a teenager. He earned his medical degree from the University of Vienna in 19301.
During World War II, Frankl was imprisoned in several Nazi concentration camps, including Theresienstadt, Auschwitz, and Bergen-Belsen, where he lost his parents and wife. His experiences in the camps deeply influenced his psychological theories, particularly the idea that finding meaning in life is essential for mental health1.
After the war, Frankl returned to Vienna and became head of the neurological department at the General Polyclinic Hospital. He published numerous books, including his best-known work, Man's Search for Meaning (1946), which details his experiences in the concentration camps and outlines the principles of Logotherapy.
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| Man's Search for Meaning Now a rare edition |
Publications and Editions
Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press. [SEE SUMMARY]
Frankl, V. E. (1955). The doctor and the soul. Verlag Herder.
Frankl, V. E. (1967). Psychotherapy and existentialism. Simon & Schuster.
Frankl, V. E. (1969). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. Plume.
Frankl, V. E. (1974). Man's search for ultimate meaning. Plume.
Frankl, V. E. (1978). The unheard cry for meaning. Simon & Schuster. [AMAZON]
Frankl, V. E. (1988). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. Plume.
Frankl, V. E. (1995). Recollections: An autobiography. Basic Books.
Frankl, V. E. (2000). Viktor Frankl recollections: An autobiography. Basic Books. AMAZON
Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press. [SEE SUMMARY]
Frankl, V. E. (2017). Man's search for meaning: A young adult edition. Beacon Press. [AMAZON]
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Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is www.suttong.com
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