A Century-Old Theory of Freud Gains Unexpected Support from Modern Neuroscience

Bridging Psychology and Brain Science

According to НВ — Техно: A team from the Department of Psychology has published findings in the journal Entropy, arguing that today’s leading model of brain function-known as the predictive processing paradigm-shares striking similarities with concepts introduced by Sigmund Freud 130 years ago. Both frameworks view the mind as a system striving for stability, predictability, and psychological balance, a state often referred to as homeostasis. By merging neuroscience with psychoanalysis, researchers believe it may become possible to study subjective experience on a scientific basis, opening new doors for understanding human psychology.

The article was released on July 1, 2026, at 15:30, with the DOI 10.3390/e28030318. The study was conducted by Erik Stänicke, Bendik Hovet, and Line Indrevoll Stänicke. They emphasize that the brain works to reduce uncertainty by relying on established patterns, while deep mental models are stored in procedural memory.

New Prospects for Integrating Psychoanalysis and Neuroscience

Psychoanalysis has examined subjective processes for over a century, and recent advances in neuroscience now offer the potential for a more complete understanding of the human mind. It is worth noting, however, that psychotherapy remains a lengthy process requiring significant effort from the patient. This research opens fresh avenues for exploring the link between mental processes and neurobiological mechanisms.

The study underscores the importance of combining different fields of knowledge to achieve deeper insight into the human psyche. The alignment between Freud’s classic theories and modern neurobiological models could drive the development of new approaches in therapy and psychological counseling, potentially improving the treatment of mental disorders. The researchers hope their work will serve as a foundation for further investigations in this critical area.

As researchers delve deeper into the intersection of psychology and neuroscience, understanding the brain's development becomes increasingly crucial. Recent findings shed light on a new framework for brain formation, which could complement the insights gained from Freud’s theories. Exploring this new approach to brain development may provide further clarity on how our mental processes are shaped and function, enhancing therapeutic practices.