An interpretation of historical events using psychological or psychoanalytical methods. Psychohistory must analyze the personality in convergence with the institutions, events, ideas and values of the time period.
Psychohistorical study is more of a rediscovery than a discovery, according to deMause.
Critics of psychohistorical study say that it is too subjective, and the psychological characteristics of study focus are too exaggerated. There will always be abstract arguments over the validity of psychohistory. Psychohistory is an important tool in examining the history of the family. The study of the emotional elements of the family is important because they are intrinsic to the evolution of the family. Th e emotional aspects of the family are strongly correlated to demographic and economic changes, wars and religious beliefs throughout time.