Event Detail



Institute Sypmposium

Wednesday February 25th, 1pm to 2pm 2026
Rona Knight: A Hundred Years of Latency: From Freudian Psychosexual Theory to
Dynamic Systems Nonlinear Development In Middle Childhood


Rona Knight's 2014 article, "A Hundred Years of Latency" reviews a century of
psychoanalytic thought on the latency period of middle childhood. It contrasts the
traditional, linear view of latency as a passive, desexualized "waiting period"; with a
newer, nonlinear, dynamic systems model where middle childhood is an active and fluid
stage of development influenced by biology, environment, and psycholog


Abstract
A focus on the latency phase is used to illustrate how theory and developmental
research have influenced our psychoanalytic views of development over the past
hundred years. Beginning with Freud's psychosexual theory and his conception of
latency, an historical overview of the major psychoanalytic contributions bearing on this
developmental period over the past century is presented. Recent longitudinal research
in latency supports a nonlinear dynamic systems approach to development. This
approach obliges us to reconsider our linear theories and how we think about and work
with our patients.

 

Educational Objectives:

  1. Describe Sigmund Freud’s original conceptualization of the latency phase and its place in psychosexual development.
  2. Summarize key psychoanalytic contributions that have shaped understanding of the latency period over the past century.
  3. Explain how recent longitudinal research supports a nonlinear dynamic systems perspective and its implications for clinical practice.

 

Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content. CPI is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to sponsor continuing education credits for (license numbers in parentheses): Social Workers (159.000122), Professional Counselors (197.000202), Marriage and Family Therapy Therapists (168.00204), and Clinical Psychologists (268.000091). 

Eligible professionals will receive 1.0 continuing education credits for attending the entire program. To receive these credits an evaluation form must be completed online. Learners must claim the amount of time spent in the educational activity and that will be the amount of credit they will earn. 

Continuing Education credits (CMEs) are not available for physicians for this program.