Bruno bettleheim biography

Bruno Bettelheim (August 28, 1903 – March 13, 1990) was an Austrian-born Americandevelopmental psychologist, widely known for his studies with autistic and emotionally disturbed children.

His "refrigerator mother" theory of autism, now largely disfavored, enjoyed considerable attention and influence while Bettelheim was alive, with unfortunate consequences for the mothers of autistic children. His "milieu therapy," however, is still widely used in the treatment of emotionally disturbed children.

Bruno bettelheim biography

Bettelheim's own life is an example of the very process he described—the devastating effects of inhumane treatment on the psychological health of human beings. After his death, much of Bettelheim's work was discredited, although his recognition that the social environment plays a significant role in healthy psychological development remains a valuable contribution to the understanding of human nature.

Life

Bruno Bettelheim was born in Vienna, Austria, the son of