Person of the Issue: Melanie Klein (1882-1903)

Melanie Klein was born on March 30, 1882, in Vienna, Austria. In 1903, she married Arthur Klein and relocated to Budapest. They had three children, born in 1904, 1907, and 1914.

Klein’s first personal experience in the field of psychoanalysis began when she sought treatment for herself after her mother died in 1914. Earlier in her youth, Klein’s siblings died: her brother died when she was 20, and her sister died when Klein was 4 years old. Klein was in treatment with Sandor Ferenczi between 1914 and 1917.

Klein was a pioneer in the treatment of children. She was among the first to use psychoanalysis on children and implemented several never-before implemented techniques and tools. She often used play and toys to help children discuss psychological issues.

Klein’s approach to psychoanalysis conflicted with much of Sigmund Freud’s work. Freud drew his ideas on child development from the recollections of his adult patients, but Klein worked directly with children and toddlers, giving her unique insight into the child development process. She defied Freud, arguing that the superego is actually present the moment a child is born, preceding the Oedipal complex. Klein also claimed that a primitive form of the Oedipal complex was present much earlier in development than Freud claimed, as a child becomes preoccupied with overwhelming parental authority.