Abstract
Since Janet and Freud, confessions have been a vital part of the psychoanalytic armamentarium. While confessions were originally cast primarily in oedipal terms, this paper examines confessions in the light of recent developments in self psychology and object relations. The central thesis presented is that confessions contribute both to the development of self-identity and to the strengthening of object relations. Clinical and literary examples are used to illustrate how individuals who choose to confess are redeemed and transformed; those who opt for conscious concealment or unconscious self-deception are destroyed. Confessions made during therapy provide valuable information on historical antecedents as well as on the vicissitudes of the self.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
