1942-4:

The ‘Controversial Discussions’ take place. Due to deepening differences between Melanie Klein and her opponents in the British Society – most significantly Anna Freud – a series of scientific meetings is arranged. Klein and a few of her closest colleagues circulate four papers embodying Kleinian theory. After each paper participants submit written comments, which are then discussed by the members. These eleven meetings come to be known as the ‘Controversial Discussions’.

A third group of 'independent' psychoanalysts – including figures such as Donald Winnicott, Michael Balint and Marion Milner – will emerge in the decade following the 'Discussions'. 

Image: Announcement of 'The Discussions'

Edward Glover resigns from the British Psycho-Analytical Society due to his strong disagreements with the Kleinians, which he sees as irresolvable.

John Rickman and Roger Money-Kyrle go to Berlin with the German Personnel Research Branch. Their mission is 'to find out whether among the leading members of the German Psycho-Analytic Society there were any who might be suitable as assistants to the personnel of G.P.R.B. (German Personnel Research Branch of the Control Committee).'

Image: Beginning of Rickman's report

Susan Isaacs dies, aged 63. Her ideas continue to have a great impact on child development and educational theory after her death.

John Bowlby is appointed a consultant by the World Health Organization, and within a few years becomes a highly influential figure in public policy on children's mental health.