Final answer:
Sigmund Freud discovered that patients would talk more freely under hypnosis, leading to his development of psychoanalysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sigmund Freud discovered that patients under the influence of hypnosis would talk more freely and emotionally about their problems, conflicts, and fears. Freud's method, known as psychoanalysis, was a therapeutic process where he encouraged patients to speak about their experiences, dreams, and thoughts to uncover unconscious feelings and conflicts. This talking cure was believed to help in the treatment of hysteria and other mental ailments.
Psychoanalytic theory was influential in understanding the subconscious and its role in shaping behavior. Through dream analysis, free association, and examination of slips of the tongue, Freud believed he could access repressed memories and inner conflicts that contributed to the patients' issues. While some of Freud's ideas remain controversial, many agree on the significant impact that early childhood experiences have on an individual's life and personality development.