Grete L. Bibring

Staff of the Vienna Ambulatorium

Grete L. Bibring (1899–1977) was an Austrian-American psychoanalyst and psychiatrist known for her contributions to the field of psychoanalysis and her work on pregnancy and mental health. She was a prominent figure in the development of psychoanalytic theory and practice in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Grete Lehner Bibring was born on January 11, 1899, in Vienna, Austria. She studied medicine at the University of Vienna, where she earned her medical degree in 1924. During her time in Vienna, she became involved with the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society and was analyzed by Sigmund Freud.

Career

After completing her medical degree, Bibring worked at the Vienna General Hospital and later joined the staff of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Institute. In 1938, following the Anschluss, she emigrated to the United Kingdom and then to the United States in 1941.

In the United States, Bibring became a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and a staff member at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She was the first woman to hold a full professorship at Harvard Medical School's Department of Psychiatry.

Contributions to Psychoanalysis

Bibring made significant contributions to the understanding of pregnancy and its psychological impact. She conducted extensive research on the emotional experiences of pregnant women and the psychological changes that occur during pregnancy. Her work emphasized the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of pregnancy to provide better care for expectant mothers.

Personal Life

Grete Bibring was married to Edward Bibring, a fellow psychoanalyst. The couple had two children. Throughout her life, Bibring remained dedicated to her work and continued to contribute to the field of psychoanalysis until her death on August 10, 1977.

Legacy

Bibring's work has had a lasting impact on the field of psychoanalysis and psychiatry. Her research on pregnancy and mental health has influenced the way healthcare providers approach the care of pregnant women. She is remembered as a pioneer in her field and a trailblazer for women in medicine and psychoanalysis.

See Also

• Psychoanalysis
• Sigmund Freud
• Vienna Psychoanalytic Society
• Harvard Medical School
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center