Dr Simon Boag
Department of Psychology
Macquarie University
Sydney, Australia
Research interests:
My main field of research is Personality psychology which I approach from a psychodynamic perspective. My published research covers various aspects of personality theory, including the neuroscientific debate surrounding Freudian dream theory, defense mechanisms, and the theory of Freudian repression. I am also developing a particular taste for Jungian theory (especially his theory of dreams and his approach to the unconscious), possibly as a compensatory response to teaching research methods.
Other areas of interest include the application of psychodynamic research to understanding personality responses to serious health threats, the relation of personality to evolutionary psychology, personality and culture, neuroscience and personality, and the influence of attachment processes upon development. My approach has been influenced by the Australian School of Andersonian realism, especially with respect to understanding the mind/brain controversy and demystifying unconscious processes.
Present projects:
- A study examining the relationship between Subliminal Psychodynamic Activation findings and attachment dimensions (2009-2010).
- A book on Freudian repression which synthesises and extends my published research in the area (to be published by Karnac) (2009-2010).
- Theoretical work examining Jung's theory of archetypes and the possibility of multiple knowers. This will involve applying the criteria developed in my 2005 paper on mental plurality (2010-2011).
Last updated: 26th August 2010