Psychoanalytic Perspective Research Articles

A Brief Study on Abortion in Adolescent Girl-Students in Kathmandu Valley

Nepali girl-students of the adolescent age group adopt abortion services in justifiable as well as in unethical ways in the verge of career-making in their study and jobs. There are many responsible factors for abortion deed in Nepali society like the negative impact of social media-internet services, globalization, migration, poverty, legal facility for abortion, and so on. This act has adverse effects on their physical health and performance those who adopt this. This research work objectifies the perception and the attitude of such adolescent girl-students in Kathmandu Valley. To ascertain the study accurate, this research work mentions particular data from Kathmandu Valley as primary sources and also some secondary sources from Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) and others. It further consults Karl Marx's views as well as the psychoanalytic perspective of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Sigmund Freud as the theoretical tools, and the ideas of David Pavon-Cuellar on Marxist-psychoanalytic theory in the relevant context of the data used in this article suitably in the Nepalese context. It follows sharply the quasi-experimental method of writing from the library's text to the internet and also the field work. Historically, the Nepali adolescent girl-students mostly are aware of abortion than the previous time; they have a legal idea about it, its facilities, and its process now. This research shows that there are majority of such Nepali adolescent girl-students in an urban area, even in Kathmandu city, who use abortion knowingly or unknowingly causing their health poor with poor performance and ruining their career so, it is helpful for the stakeholders to work on the issue raised here.

Teletechnologies of Death and Mourning in Don DeLillo’s The Body Artist and Nicholas Royle’s Quilt

Teletechnologies are changing the way we cope with loss and grief. Apart from their romanticized relationship with death in the history of literature, teletechnologies also figure prominently as productive metaphors in critical theories. Psychoanalysis and deconstruction view telecommunication in its various forms as intricately connected to notions of telepathy and the unconscious, a point shared by Don DeLillo’s The Body Artist and Nicholas Royle’s Quilt. Both novels attach great importance to how the process of individual mourning, in the presence of different forms of technologies, is inscribed with a distinctive telepathic effect. Specifically, DeLillo’s text portrays the radio as an uncanny harbinger of death, and Quilt forges a link between the faltered telephone communication and the spectral moments when the dead is calling. The article proposes to conceive, from a psychoanalytical perspective, the subject of teletechnologies as a critical starting point to address related issues of telepathy and telecommunication and to understand death as loss in the contemporary age.

National character in the view of psychoanalysis

In the current context of globalization, alongside the prevailing trend, each nation-state still retains its distinctive national characteristics. These are the typical and unique features that each community contributes to the cultural heritage of humanity. In that sense, the character of each nation, expressing its identities and personalities, has always held a peculiar allure for researchers. However, national character is a rather nebulous concept, challenging to grasp, both relative and universal. Therefore, it remains an open concept, amenable to various approaches in psychology, sociology, ethnology, anthropology, value studies, and cultural studies. While psychoanalysis and national character may initially appear unrelated, national character is ultimately influenced by factors residing in the collective unconscious. Hence, if one seeks to discern the personality of a nation, psychoanalysis provides a promising avenue. From this perspective, the study of national character from a psychoanalytic standpoint can be considered quite unique and advantageous, deserving of attention. This article examines national character as a representation of a nation’s unique identity from a fresh psychoanalytic perspective, offering insights into the national character of various nations, including Vietnam.

How Silence Contributes to the Performance of Sincerity in Psychotherapy

Most literature concerning silence in psychotherapy has focused on the meaning of silences, particularly from psychoanalytic perspectives, and is based on clinical experience rather than empirical studies. These authors tend to interpret silence as pathology or resistance in the client and/or advise clinicians to be especially tolerant of silence and to avoid filling silences. Although some studies have found that moderate silence is correlated with better outcomes, these studies ignore psychosocial aspects of the interaction. No research has looked at silence in psychotherapy as a linguistic device to manage the local sequential environment. Silence following an initiating action is characteristic of dispreferred responses such as refusals and negatively valenced answers in general conversation. In this study, we used conversation analysis to explore preference and the role of silence in nine spiritually oriented humanistic psychotherapy sessions. We found that in contrast to everyday conversation, in these interactions, there is a preference for gaps and pauses while immediate responses are dispreferred.

Gender of the Abrahamic God: A Psychoanalytical Perspective.

Gender of the Abrahamic God: A Psychoanalytical Perspective.

Female Tragedy in White Deer Plain from a Psychoanalytic Perspective

Female Tragedy in White Deer Plain from a Psychoanalytic Perspective

Inviting Catastrophe: The Welcoming of the Act in Psychoanalysis

This essay approaches the problem of the act from the perspective of psychoanalysis, which teaches us that the fear of the act as catastrophic—and especially as a mortal threat to the social bond—is often synonymous with the repudiation of the unconscious itself, whether by the individual subject or by the collective. To understand how an act of the unconscious can be received as catastrophic, whether by the actor or by others, we first have to consider both the resistance to the act at the level of the ego and its censorship by culture and civilization. For this we need to be more explicit about the nature of the act with which psychoanalysis is concerned, which is very different from other kinds of acts.

TRIPTYCH OF LOVE IN ANNA KARENINA: INTERPRETING ANNA’S LOVE(S) PSYCHOANALYTICALLY

This paper explores Anna Karenina’s multifaceted love(s) towards three men – her son, her husband, and her lover – using psychoanalytic perspective. While Joe Wright’s film adaptation (2012) serves as the primary object of analysis, the paper also draws upon the source text by Leo Tolstoy. The essay demonstrates ways in which psychoanalytic theory may be deployed to understand Anna’s motivations. Specifically, it suggests interpreting Anna’s love decisions in terms of what Freud called a love versus desire divide, originally attributed to men. As analysis shows, Anna seeks love and desire in two separate male figures, with Karenin being more like a father to her, and Vronsky – a sexual object or a “bad boy,” to use Bruce Fink’s term. Anna thinks in terms of “exchange” not of her husband’s but of her son’s love for that of Vronsky, thereby equating those seemingly different love(s). The paper looks closely at the specific scenes as well as stylistic techniques such as a whip pan, close-up, point-of-view shot, etc., which shed light onto Anna’s psychological conflict.

<오징어 게임> 욕망의 추이

This paper analyzes the tendency of desire in Squid Game.
 The dystopian world of Squid Game is a world of regression that arises from the boredom of the game's designer, Oh Il-nam, and the VIPs. From a psychoanalytic perspective, Squid Game can be seen as the emergence of the real as a metaphorical signifier of sainthome, caused by the depletion of jouissance. They are trying to recover the problem of loss of being as a stimulus by constructing a distorted world, socializing objects, and indulging in enjoyment from them. A series of attempts follow the logical structure of the Discourse of the Master. In particular, the way the game participants come to desire the game world is by destroying their humanity to cultivate ruthless competitive abilities and resocializing them by engaging in predatory gambling. Gambling is like a symptom that is forced on the weak in a polarized world. The tendency of desire itself is a criticism of this game world, which reflects the world, and at the same time a criticism of the polarized reality.
 O Il-nam, who makes people desire this world, is actually a person who is skeptical of the world's powerlessness. In contrast, Gi-hun eventually denies the position and achievement of the world created by O Il-nam. O Il-nam, who was a strong man in a polarized world and a transcendent other in a created world, but was struggling with the desire for stimulation, ended his life by asking Gi-hun, who did not give up his own existence, the value of human existence. This drama tried to avoid the hackneyed social participation stories through a symbolic and allegorical reflection of the polarized world, and attempted an ethical question about the problem of human desire that has reached an existential limit. This deserves to be evaluated as one of the merits of the Squid Game narrative.

반 고흐의 신 표상(Representation of God) 변형에 관한 정신분석적 연구

This paper investigated the transformations of Vincent van Gogh’s god representation from a psychoanalytic perspective. The internal/external factors accounting for the transformation in god representation were examined and four themes were deduced. First, the god representation can be transformed due to the individual’s need for psychic equilibrium and defensive purposes. Second, if the object relationship which was the crucial foundation for the formation of the god representation is transformed, the individual’s god representation may accordingly be transformed. Third, an individual may transform one’s god representation in order to integrate his/her unconscious desires and conscious reality. Fourth, an individual may transform his/her god representation into a subjective and private one as an uncommunicated factor. The results substantiated that an individual’s god representation is connected with internal/external reality and can be dealt with clinically in order to develop a healthy religious life.

Of the virtual as a promotor of interpretations in the acting of the contemporary subject

A reflection on the concept of the virtual from a psychoanalytic perspective is elaborated, and its epistemological trajectory up to the present day is analyzed in order to identify its composition and its elements in relation to the structure of the subject, in order to locate its participation in the mechanisms of interpretation of the unconscious in psychoanalytic devices. Starting from the axiom that psychoanalysis is a praxis dedicated to acts, especially failed ones, and that the virtual, proposed as a performance without act, provides a power detached from signification, it is proposed that it finds expressions constituted either as symptoms -which are the ones of interest here, as language phenomena-, or as social representation scenarios such as "virtual reality", "virtualization phenomena", or "virtuality". The pertinence of this approach is sustained to the extent that the virtual has acquired not only a greater weight in the constitution of social relations, but its semblance is already seen as an inescapable factor to deepen the interpretation of that knowledge not known, or not wanted to know, of the subject of the unconscious.

The violence of love: psychoanalytic perspective

A theoretical elaboration is presented around the question: what is the violence of love, from the psychoanalytic perspective, in our days? To do this, he realizes the increasingly evident social expressions of destruction in the name of love, and that lead to mental health problems, due to the confusion of the signifier as sacrificed and as sacrificial, as lost or as an instrument. From this perspective, several little-addressed proposals emerge, such as inquiring about the nature of love, its causes, its forms of action, and with unavoidable links that, up to now, are usually presented as opposed to violence, which nevertheless is revealed no longer in opposition, but in a constitutive bond of love itself. The theme of the violence of love, in this sense, requires a resignation, and this is to study love isolated from its amalgamic component. To go deeper into this perspective, the psychoanalytic perspective provides considerations that require reflections established even outside the classical discourse, such as its romantic definition.

The conspiracy narrative “The Big Lie”—Psychoanalytical considerations on the development of susceptibility to an “alternative reality”

AbstractUsing the narrative “The Big Lie,” which is placed in the socio‐political context, and based on data gathered from social media, clinical material, interviews and documentaries, the author examines from a psychoanalytic perspective the effective power and dynamics of conspiracy narratives that create an “alternative reality” with “conviction capsules,” using lies and distortions of reality consciously employed as means of agitation on the breeding ground of unconscious relational and regression processes. To sketch the emergence and development of this willingness, the author combines the explanations of Wilfred Bion, Susan Isaacs and Herbert Rosenfeld and develops the hypothesis, including the concept of “perverted containing,” that due to unsuccessful containing processes in the earliest relationship experiences, defensively inflexible, sealed “conviction capsules” develop, permeated by fears of confusion and annihilation, by hatred as well as phantasies of powerlessness and superiority. Underlying these, experienced as existentially threatening, are panic about change and excessive identification with a hard, alleged omnipotent object, linked to an unconscious longing for symbiosis with a “savior”—a conglomerate that breeds susceptibility to conspiracy narratives and totalitarian, destructive populist leaders. As one example, the destructive‐symbiotic relationship dynamic between Donald Trump and his supporters is outlined with the escalation of violence.

Exploring the Intersection of Feminist and Psychoanalytic Theory in the Confessional Poetry of Anita Nair and Kamala Das

The genre of confessional poetry is defined by the poet's personal and frequently extremely emotional experiences. It first appeared in the middle of the 20th century and is characterised by a personal tone and the first-person point of view. This paper shall examine the confessional elements in the poetry of two prominent Indian poets, Anita Nair and Kamala Das, through a feminist and psychoanalytic perspective. In order to examine themes of love, relationships, and identity in their poetry, Nair and Das use personal experiences, emotions, and thoughts in their poems. The paper will examine the intricate power relationships between men and women underlying Nair and Das' poetry. The paper will emphasise the complex intersection of gender, power, and personal experience that underlies Anita Nair's and Kamala Das's poetry through an analysis of the confessional elements in their works.

Psychoanalytic Perspectives of the Development of an Adolescent Through Loss and Mourning in a Novel, ‘The Neverending Story’

Psychoanalytic Perspectives of the Development of an Adolescent Through Loss and Mourning in a Novel, ‘The Neverending Story’

Wendigo Psychosis and Psychiatric Perspectives of Cannibalism: A Complex Interplay of Culture, Psychology, and History.

Our review paper delves into the intricate and multifaceted realm of cannibalism, with a focused exploration of its manifestations in Wendigo psychosis. We aim to explore the implications of cannibalism within the realms of psychiatry, anthropology, psychology, and sociology by navigating the complexities of cultural beliefs, psychological underpinnings, historical contexts, and contemporary significance surrounding cannibalism. Cannibalism is deeply ingrained in the cultural and mythological heritage of Algonquian-speaking tribes; it is closely associated with the symbolic figure of the Wendigo. The Wendigo serves as a warning about the potential loss of one's humanity in dire circumstances like starvation. Wendigo psychosis, characterized by psychiatric manifestations such as paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, and cannibalistic urges, often emerges as a result of a fusion of cultural narratives and psychological vulnerabilities. This may provide an outlet for individuals experiencing internal distress. Historical records show that instances of Wendigo psychosis and cannibalism were more prevalent during periods of extreme scarcity and famine among Algonquian tribes, but they can also manifest in non-famine contexts. Cannibalism assumes diverse forms and meanings across various cultures, encompassing ritualistic, sacrificial, or survival cannibalism. Acknowledging these nuances is paramount to avoiding perpetuating harmful stereotypes and to appreciating the significance of these practices within specific cultures. Engaging in discussions about cannibalism necessitates cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural practices and beliefs to foster open dialogue and enhance cross-cultural understanding. Although cannibalism is often associated with psychiatric disorders, it is not exclusively rooted in mental illness. Factors like substance abuse, antisocial traits, and environmental upbringing can also contribute to cannibalistic acts. In some cases, cannibalism may be linked to survival instincts stemming from trauma and abuse. Therefore, it is vital to distinguish between various forms of cannibalism and understand their underlying motivations. Analyzing cannibalistic fantasies from a psychoanalytic perspective involves exploring mechanisms such as melancholia and oral fixation, shedding light on the psychological underpinnings of these thoughts and urges. Moreover, the influence of media portrayals of cannibalism on public perceptions cannot be underestimated. Sensationalism and romanticization in popular culture can distort our understanding of the motivations and mental states of individuals involved in cannibalistic acts. In essence, cannibalism remains an intriguing and multidimensional topic deeply entrenched in cultural narratives and psychological complexities. A comprehensive understanding necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account how historical context, cultural beliefs, psychological experiences, and societal dimensions shape human behavior and our comprehension of the human condition. To navigate this complex subject with sensitivity and respect, it is essential to recognize the diverse manifestations and motivations behind cannibalistic behavior, whether in the context of Wendigo psychosis or other cultural practices.

The Texture of Being and Becoming White

This essay takes its title from Kathleen Pogue White’s call to White psychoanalysts to explore “the texture of being white in relation to the experiences of racism” in her 2002 article “Surviving Hating and Being Hated: Some Personal Thoughts about Racism from a Psychoanalytic Perspective.” It focuses on the White author’s experiences of racial hatred and White supremacy between friends as a child and adolescent in Detroit, Michigan. It seeks to add emotional and affective nuance to contemporary ways of talking about Whiteness and White supremacy in relation to Blackness and Black Americans. It also explores the damage intra-racial hatred between Whites can cause.

What Happens When We Talk to Each Other: Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Race and Other Difficult Conversations

Political, racial, cultural, religious: disagreements abound. From one-on-one to groups, from government officials to entire nations, differences of opinion cause arguments, differences of opinion cause wars. How might we look psychoanalytically at the ever-increasing difficulty of facing one another to speak of that which touches us at the core of who we are?

Evaluation of the History of Anorexia Nervosa from a Psychoanalytic Perspective

Antik dönemlerden günümüze değin tarihte kendine yer bulan anoreksiya nervoza, tanımı ve etiyolojisi ile birlikte yıllar içerisinde çeşitli tartışmalara neden olmuş; etiyolojisi ve tanımı yıllar içinde evrilmiştir. Bu evrim, psikanalitik yaklaşımda da kendi göstermiş ve belirli dönemlerde ana akım psikiyatriyi de etkilemiştir. Bu çalışmada da anoreksiya nervozanın, antik dönemlerden bugüne olan evrimi psikanalitik çerçeve ve Lacan’ın teorisi bağlamında ele alınmıştır. Lacan’ın anoreksiya nervoza hakkındaki görüşleri, kendi teorisinin gelişimine paralel olarak değişiklik göstermiş ve Lacan, anoreksiya nervozayı öznenin Büyük Başka ile olan ilişkisi bağlamında değerlendirmiştir. Bu ilişkilenme erken ve orta dönem Lacanyen metinlerde anoreksik öznenin “reddetmesi” ve “hiçlik yemesi” kavramları bağlamında simgeseldeki eksikliğin gerçek üzerinden telafi edilmeye çalışması şeklinde ele alınırken Lacan’ın geç dönemlerine ait metinlerde kastrasyonun reddi ve jouissance’ın sürdürülmesi bağlamında da yorumlanmıştır. Bu değişiklik anoreksiya nervoza, anlamı ve işlevi olan bilinçdışı bir mesaj mıdır yoksa anlamdan yoksun, bilinçdışının yerine bedenin konuştuğu bir sinthome mudur tartışmalarına neden olmuştur. Bu çalışmada da anoreksiya nervozanın tarihi psikanalitik çerçeve içerisinde ve Lacan’ın metinleri bağlamında kronolojik olarak ele alınmıştır.

Imagery: A Review

Modern neuroscience has shown that relaxing images cause the brain to release high levels of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which reduce anxiety, block cortisol, and increase neuroplasticity. Modern medicine positions human beings as passive, helpless, in need of external aid and in need of repair. However, man should be seen as a being with physical and spiritual power that can repair himself far beyond this passive role. The common point of all the studies examined in this study is that imagery, which is an internal skill, can be used as a low-cost and effective mental therapy tool. Some studies have described imagery as a more effective method than pharmacological interventions. It is seen that the application of imagery is widely used in many diseases such as psychotic disorders, cancer, asthma, migraine, hypertension, immune system diseases, mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is seen that the imagery technique, which is thought to work as a defense mechanism and drive satisfaction according to psychoanalytic perspective, is widely used in fields such as mindfulness-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectic therapy. This review, first of all, mentions the use of imagery and imagery in history, and then describes current research on imagery applications on different diseases. In addition, it was written to emphasize the lack of research on the mechanisms by which this personal and internal power, which is thought to affect the efficiency of the treatment, regardless of which physical or psychological help is sought, and to encourage new research.