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2024-05-07 22:29:05

Viktor Frankl

Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor
Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor

Viktor Emil Frankl, founder of logotherapy, emphasized the search for meaning. His book 'Man's Search for Meaning' details his time in Nazi concentration camps.

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1905-03-26
Birth of Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl, the Austrian psychiatrist and psychotherapist who developed the psychological approach known as logotherapy, was born in Vienna, Austria.

1921-12-31
First Public Lecture on the Meaning of Life

Viktor Frankl published his first lecture titled 'On the Meaning of Life' on December 31, 1921, and also joined the Young Socialist Workers.

1923
Interaction with Dr. Sigmund Freud

At the age of 18, Viktor Frankl contacted Dr. Sigmund Freud and sent him a paper he had written. This led to Freud's request to publish one of Frankl's papers, marking a significant early recognition of Frankl's work.

1924
Frankl Becomes Spokesman of Austrian Socialist High School Students Association

In 1924, Viktor Frankl is studying medicine at the University of Vienna Medical School and becomes the spokesman of the Austrian Socialist High School Students Association.

1925-12-31
Psychotherapy and Weltanschauung

Viktor Frankl delved into psychotherapy and Weltanschauung around December 31, 1925.

1926-04-23
Publication of Frankl's article 'Psychotherapy and Weltanschauung'

Frankl explores the differences between psychotherapy and philosophy, focusing on the question of meaning and values.

1927
Frankl's relationship with Alfred Adler declines

In 1927, Viktor Frankl's relationship with Alfred Adler declines as he becomes critical of the central tenets of Individual Psychology. This marks a significant shift in Frankl's professional relationships and ideological stance.

1928-12-31
Introduction of Logotherapy by Frankl

Frankl introduces Logotherapy for the first time.

1929
Viktor Frankl's Free Youth Counseling Centers in Vienna

In 1930, at the age of 25, Viktor Frankl organized free youth counseling centers in Vienna to combat the epidemic of teen suicides occurring around the time of report cards. His efforts were successful as within a year, suicides dropped to zero.

1930
Viktor Frankl earns medical degree

In 1930, Viktor Frankl completed his medical degree at the University of Vienna.

1931-12-31
Organization of Counseling Centers by Frankl

Frankl starts organizing counseling centers where adolescents receive advice, with the financial support of other psychologists.

1932
Development of Neurology Theories by Frankl

Frankl works on developing theories in the field of neurology.

1933
Frankl Put in Charge of Ward for Suicidal Women

In 1933, Viktor Frankl was assigned to lead the ward for suicidal women at the Psychiatric Hospital, overseeing many thousands of patients annually.

1934
Frankl's Membership in the Austro-fascist 'Fatherland Front'

Viktor Frankl's membership in the Austro-fascist 'Fatherland Front' in 1934 was highlighted in his Gestapo profile, raising questions about his political affiliations during that time.

1937-12-31
Frankl becomes head of Female Suicidals Pavilion

On December 31, 1937, Viktor Frankl takes on the role of head or leader of the Female Suicidals Pavilion at the Psychiatric Hospital in Vienna, where he assists approximately 3000 patients annually.

1938-03-11
Viktor Frankl delivers lectures on Psychological Problems of Jewish Youth

In the period before the Anschluss, Viktor Frankl was invited by the Zionist Youth Section to deliver two lectures on the Psychological Problems of Jewish Youth. The announcement of the second lecture was made on March 11, 1938, just a day before Hitler's forces invaded Austria, leading to the abrupt cessation of all activities of the organization.

1939
Publication of Philosophy and Psychotherapy

In 1939, Viktor Frankl's paper Philosophy and Psychotherapy is published in a Swiss medical journal. In this paper, he introduces the term 'Existential Analysis,' which serves as the philosophical basis for Logotherapy.

1940-12
Working at Rothschild Hospital

Between December 1940 and December 1942, Viktor Frankl is employed at the Rothschild Hospital, where he likely contributes to the field of neurology and psychiatry.

1941
Marriage to Tilly Grosser

In 1941, Viktor Frankl married a nurse named Tilly Grosser while he was at Rothschild Hospital. Despite having the opportunity to escape Vienna with a visa, he decided to stay due to conflicting emotions about leaving his parents.

1942-12-31
Nazi interruption

On December 31, 1942, the Nazis force Viktor Frankl and his wife Tilly to abort their child.

1944-12-31
Sent to Auschwitz

On December 31, 1944, Viktor and Tilly Frankl are sent to the Auschwitz extermination camp where Tilly later dies at the age of 24.

1945-03-05
Frankl's Decision to Work as a Doctor at Kaufering IV

After 5 months of hard labor at Kaufering, a sub camp in Dachau, Viktor Frankl was offered to work as a doctor at Türkheim. Despite his initial skepticism, Frankl decided to accept the offer as he believed that caring for sick prisoners would give meaning to his suffering life.

1945-04-23
Liberation of Frankl's camp

On April 23, 1945, Viktor Frankl's camp is liberated.

1945-04-27
Camp Liberation by U.S. Troops

On April 27, 1945, the camp where Viktor Frankl was held is liberated by U.S. troops. Frankl is appointed as the chief doctor of a military hospital for displaced persons.

1946-12-31
Creation of the book

On December 31, 1946, Viktor Frankl creates the book 'Man's Search for Meaning' after overcoming despair and becoming the director of the Vienna Neurological Policlinic.

1947-12-31
Second Marriage and Publication

On December 31, 1947, Viktor Frankl marries his second wife Eleonore Schwindt and publishes his practice-oriented book 'PSYCHOTHERAPIE IN DER PRAXIS'.

1948-12-31
Metaclinical Lectures

In 1948, Viktor Frankl is appointed as 'Privatdozent' of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Vienna, where he delivers his 'Metaclinical Lectures'.

1950
Wilhelm Soucek names Frankl's Logotherapy

In 1950, Austrian psychiatrist Wilhelm Soucek coins the term 'Logotherapy and Existential Analysis' for Viktor Frankl's approach, naming it the 'Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy' alongside Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis and Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology.

1954
Viktor Frankl invited to give lectures at universities in England, Holland, and Argentina

In 1954, Viktor Frankl was invited to give lectures at universities in England, Holland, and Argentina. This opportunity allowed him to share his insights and teachings with a wider audience.

1955-04-23
Promotion to Professor

On April 23, 1955, Viktor Frankl is promoted to the position of Professor at the University of Vienna. This advancement leads to him starting guest professorships at universities abroad.

1956
Promotion Award for Public Education

Viktor Frankl received the Promotion Award for Public Education from the Ministry of Education in Austria in 1956.

1959
Publication of 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl

In 1959, Viktor Frankl published his most distinguished book, 'Man's Search for Meaning', chronicling his experiences in the concentration camps and proposing the foundation of his theory of logotherapy.

1961
Frankl becomes guest professor at Harvard University

In 1961, Viktor Frankl became a guest professor at Harvard University, where he addressed the topic of personal freedom and made the famous suggestion of adding a 'Statue of Responsibility' on the West Coast of the United States.

1962
Cardinal Innitzer Prize

In 1962, Viktor Frankl was awarded the Cardinal Innitzer Prize in Austria.

1963
Viktor Frankl emphasizes the importance of love as the ultimate goal

Viktor Frankl highlights the significance of love as the highest aspiration for individuals, enabling both the beloved and oneself to find meaning. He contrasts love with the common confusion of sex in modern society.

1965
Origin of the Term Noö-Dynamics

The term noö-dynamics, derived from the Greek word noös meaning mind or spirit, was a central feature of Frankl's existential theory.

1966
Frankl speaks at San Quentin prison

In 1966, Viktor Frankl was invited to speak at San Quentin prison, where his views on personal responsibility, guilt, and redemption deeply resonated with the inmates. He was later asked to deliver a special address.

1967
Publication of Psychotherapy and Existentialism: Selected Papers on Logotherapy

In 1967, Viktor E. Frankl published the book 'Psychotherapy and Existentialism: Selected Papers on Logotherapy' in New York. The book discusses the relationship between psychotherapy and existentialism, focusing on logotherapy.

1969
Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art

Viktor Frankl was honored with the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, 1st class, in 1969.

1970
Establishment of the Viktor Frankl Institute

In 1970, Viktor Frankl was honored by his peers with the creation of the Viktor Frankl Institute, recognizing his significant contributions to psychology and psychotherapy.

1971
Frankl becomes Executive Director of Viennese Neurological Health Center

In 1971, Viktor Frankl assumed the position of executive director at the Viennese Neurological Health Center, a role he held until his death. This position allowed him to further contribute to the field of neurology and psychology.

1973
Viktor Frankl's Explanation of Psychopathologies

Viktor Frankl explains the origins of various psychopathologies, such as anxiety neuroses being rooted in existential anxiety and a sense of unfulfilled responsibility. He describes how individuals may misinterpret their anxiety and attribute it to specific issues in life, like hypochondria.

1975
Viktor Frankl's quote on re-humanization of psychotherapy

In 1975, Viktor Frankl emphasized the importance of re-humanization in psychotherapy as a significant step towards effective treatment.

1976
Prize of the Danubia Foundation

In 1976, Viktor Frankl received the Prize of the Danubia Foundation.

1977
Awarded the Oskar Pfister Prize

In 1977, Viktor Frankl became the first non-American to receive the American Psychiatric Association's prestigious Oskar Pfister Prize for his exceptional work in the field of psychiatry.

1978
Frankl Confronted at Lecture in New York

In 1978, Viktor Frankl faced backlash and was called a 'nazi pig' during a lecture at the Institute of Adult Jewish Studies in New York due to his stance on forgiveness and collective guilt.

1980
First World Congress on Logotherapy in San Diego

The First World Congress on Logotherapy is held in San Diego, California in 1980, marking a significant event in the field of Logotherapy.

1981
Austrian Decoration for Science and Art

In 1981, Viktor Frankl was honored with the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art.

1982
Lawrence L. Langer criticizes Viktor Frankl's logotherapy

Lawrence L. Langer, a scholar and Holocaust analyst, criticized Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, pointing out distortions in Frankl's description of Auschwitz and his focus on 'meaning'. Langer suggested that Frankl's doctrine could be misinterpreted and compared it to the Nazis' justification for their actions.

1985
Foundation of the Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis

In 1985, the 'Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis' (GLE) is established in Vienna by Alfried Längle, leading to a divergence between Frankl and this group over differing views on human existence and the concept of meaning.

1986
Opening of the South German Institute of Logotherapy by Elisabeth Lukas

In 1986, Elisabeth Lukas, a notable student of Frankl, inaugurates the South German Institute of Logotherapy, furthering the dissemination of Logotherapy principles.

1988
Frankl Accepts Medal from President Waldheim

In 1988, Viktor Frankl stirred controversy by accepting a medal from President Waldheim, a controversial figure with ties to Nazi war crimes, leading to criticism from the international Jewish community.

1990
Teaching at the University of Vienna

Viktor Frankl taught at the University of Vienna until 1990, imparting his knowledge and insights to students. His teachings had a lasting impact on many individuals.

1991
Man’s Search for Meaning Listed as One of the Ten Most Influential Books in the U.S.

In 1991, the Library of Congress recognized 'Man’s Search for Meaning' as one of the ten most influential books in the U.S. The book continues to be popular, appearing on Amazon’s Top 100 Books list and being recommended as one of Amazon’s Top 100 Books to Read In a Lifetime.

1992-04
Foundation of Viktor Frankl Institute

In April 1992, the 'Viktor Frankl Institute' is established, dedicated to the teachings and legacy of Viktor Frankl.

1993
Elly Frankl Receives Honorary Doctorate from North Park University

In 1993, Elly Frankl, in recognition of her dedicated work in Logotherapy, is bestowed with an honorary doctorate by Chicago's North Park University.

1995
Viktor Frankl's Reflection on Suffering

In 1995, Viktor Frankl made a poignant observation about his suffering in the concentration camps, expressing gratitude for the perspective it gave him on real troubles and the appreciation for life he gained.

1996
Viktor Frankl -- Recollections

A collection of recollections by Viktor Frankl, providing insights into his life, experiences, and thoughts.

1997-09-02
Death of Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl passed away in Vienna. He was known for his significant contributions to psychology and his development of logotherapy.

1997-09-04
Death of Dr. Viktor E. Frankl

Dr. Viktor E. Frankl, a psychiatrist from Vienna known for his work on the search for meaning, passed away at the age of 92.

2000
Recollections: An Autobiography

Viktor Frankl's autobiography titled 'Recollections' was published in 2000 by Basic Books in Cambridge, MA. It provides insights into Frankl's life and experiences.

2001
Frankl's Public Talks on Medicine and Psychology

Frankl volunteered to give public talks on various topics related to medicine and psychology. This reflects his commitment to sharing knowledge and contributing to the intellectual community.

2003
Viktor E. Frankl's Biography

A biography of Viktor E. Frankl was published in Contemporary Authors Online, providing insights into his life and work.

2004
Frankl's Concept of Noö-Dynamics

Frankl introduced the concept of noö-dynamics, emphasizing the tension between a person's end goal and their current state as a driving force towards purpose in life.

2006
Frankl's Assertion on Mental Well-Being

Frankl stated that mental well-being is about the existential dynamics in a polar field of tension, where one pole represents the meaning to be fulfilled and the other pole represents the individual fulfilling it.

2010
Frankl's Theory on Search for Meaning

Frankl emphasized that the search for meaning is the primary motivation in life, highlighting the need to acquire tools to find meaning.

2013
Research Design on Frankl's Life

A longitudinal life history study with a qualitative-morphogenic, idiographic-morphogenic research design was conducted to portray Frankl's life through evidence, theory, and interpretation.

2014
Exploration of Frankl's Life and Thematic Strategies

Researchers explored and described Frankl's life and strategies for attaining meaning through the lens of his key theoretical concept in his existential theory.

2015
Viktor Frankl's search for meaning

Pytell's book delves into the life of Viktor Frankl, focusing on his search for meaning and his impact on 20th-century psychology.

2020
Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything

Viktor Frankl's book 'Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything' was published in 2020 by Beacon Press in Boston. It offers a perspective on finding meaning and purpose in life despite challenges.

End of the Timeline
Viktor Frankl

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Viktor Frankl

Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor
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