Freud's abandonment of the seduction hypothesis was a complex decision influenced by multiple factors, and it cannot be solely attributed to avoiding the influence of Pierre Janet. The seduction hypothesis, proposed by Freud in the early stages of his career, suggested that neurotic symptoms in his patients were a result of repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse. However, Freud eventually shifted his perspective and developed the theory of infantile sexuality, arguing that these memories were not necessarily literal events but symbolic representations of unconscious desires and conflicts.
While it is true that Freud was aware of Janet's work on trauma and dissociation, and there were some similarities between their ideas, it would be an oversimplification to suggest that Freud's shift was solely motivated by avoiding Janet's influence. Freud's decision was influenced by a variety of factors, including his clinical observations, ongoing discussions with his colleagues, and his evolving theoretical framework.
Freud's abandonment of the seduction hypothesis was a pivotal moment in the development of psychoanalysis, as it marked a shift toward a more comprehensive theory of the unconscious and the importance of internal psychological processes. It allowed Freud to further explore the complexities of human sexuality and the unconscious mind. While there may have been some overlap in their ideas, it is important to recognize that Freud's decision was part of his broader intellectual development and the refinement of his own theoretical framework, rather than simply a response to the work of Pierre Janet
