2 May 1943
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'