Psychodynamic Research Articles

Aetiology and Treatments of Antisocial Personality Disorder

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) by emphasising its characteristics, pathological causes and treatments. ASPD is identified as a type B personality disorder which is characterised by consistently disobeying social norms and lacking remorse. The following sections discuss the contributors to ASPD from both nature (biological) and nurture (environmental) perspectives, highlighting the essential influences of inheritance and adverse childhood experiences. Specifically, this study explores the abnormalities in brain structures involving the frontal lobe and amygdala, as well as the effects of abuse and ignorance in its development. In addition, this paper recalls the treatment methods, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) exhibiting a higher possibility of reducing violent behaviours, while the psychodynamic approach and pharmacological intervention function to mitigate comorbidities of ASPD. Furthermore, ASPD behaviours in real life have been addressed through analysing the case study of Ted Bundy, illustrating the importance of diagnosis and intervention in the early stages. The findings supply useful suggestions for relevant experts and professors and also help society to better understand the complexity of ASPD.

Unlocking the mind: a psychodynamic approach to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder

There is limited evidence supporting the use of psychodynamic psychotherapy in the management of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, OCD is a disabling illness that often presents with comorbidities, and psychodynamic psychotherapy can be particularly beneficial in such cases. By targeting unconscious conflicts and bringing them to the surface, this therapeutic approach may help patients gain a deeper understanding of their illness. This article aims to explain the manifestation of symptoms through the lens of psychodynamic theory. It seeks to deepen the understanding of the nature of OCD by exploring unconscious processes and defence mechanisms. Furthermore, we will examine how addressing underlying psychological conflicts can complement traditional treatments and potentially improve patient outcomes.

The problem of suicidality, personality disorder, and treatment: an alternative psycho-social perspective.

Suicidal behaviour, including both attempted and completed suicides, has been increasing globally, particularly in industrialized nations, making suicidality a significant public health concern. Despite the allocation of increasing resources by US, EU, and UK governmental and mental health bodies, the effectiveness of current strategies for the treatment, management, and prevention of suicide remains in question. This paper reviews evidence from epidemiological studies and national prevention policies, alongside research data from a London-based specialist personality disorder treatment centre and clinical case studies from private psychiatric/psychotherapy practice, to explore an alternative psychosocial approach to addressing suicidality. The dominant psychiatric model, which relies heavily on medication, hospitalization, and often coercive methods of control, may have iatrogenic effects, potentially exacerbating the risk of suicide. In contrast, a psychodynamic and psychosocial approach, focused on understanding the underlying psychological dimensions of suicidality, fostering a trusting therapeutic alliance, addressing both internal and external factors contributing to suicidal behaviour, and promoting open dialogue around suicidal thoughts, has shown promise in reducing suicide risk. The findings presented in this paper argue for a rethinking of traditional psychiatric approaches, advocating for a shift toward more personalized, collaborative, and psychologically informed interventions that can more effectively reduce the risk of suicide.

From ego to equity: exploring the influence of narcissism and gender on start-up funding success

Purpose This study aims to investigate the association between narcissistic tendencies, gender and funding success in high-growth start-ups. It aims to bridge a critical research gap by exploring the combined effect of gender and narcissism on start-up funding success. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed 540 founders of high-growth start-ups in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, using the NPI-16 questionnaire to assess narcissistic tendencies. By focusing on high-growth start-ups as opposed to small firms, the authors enhanced the validity of the sample. This study isolates and analyses the effects of gender and narcissism, providing insights into their individual and combined contributions to start-up funding success. Findings The findings reveal that gender is associated with lower start-up funding and lower narcissistic tendencies. This highlights the intricate relationship between gender, narcissism and funding success within the context of high-growth start-ups. Practical implications These findings have important implications for investors, policymakers and entrepreneurial educators, suggesting that a nuanced understanding of founders’ psychological traits could enhance funding strategies and start-up support mechanisms. Originality/value This research addresses the critical gap in the literature by examining the joint influence of gender and narcissism on funding success in high-growth start-ups. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping founder psychology and performance dynamics, offering valuable insights for future research in gender, narcissism and start-up success.

Exploring aggressive emotions in women in prison: the role of empathy and perceived social support in moderating the effects of childhood discrimination experiences

BackgroundThe recent increase in the population of women in prison within the societal context of China has shifted attention towards understanding the unique psychological and social dynamics distinct from those traditionally associated with man offenders. Growing evidence suggests that childhood experiences of discrimination play a crucial role in shaping the aggressive behaviors observed among women in prison. This underscores the necessity for an in-depth examination of the psychological and societal foundations of these behaviors.ObjectiveThis study seeks to elucidate the roles of empathy and perceived social support (PSS) in moderating the effects of childhood discrimination on aggression among women in prison. It aims to provide insights that could inform effective intervention and prevention strategies. Participants and Setting: The study involved 411 women in prison from correctional facilities across two provinces in China. Data were collected through paper-based surveys distributed from May to June 2024.MethodsParticipants responded to the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, analysis of variance, and parallel multiple mediation models. These analyses were conducted using SPSS and a PROCESS macro to test statistical hypotheses.ResultsResults demonstrated significant associations between high levels of childhood discrimination and increased aggressive emotions and behaviors in adulthood. Mediation analysis indicated that both affective empathy and PSS significantly mediated these relationships. Affective empathy was found to intensify emotional responses leading to aggression, while PSS acted as a buffering mechanism that mitigated these adverse outcomes.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the pivotal moderating roles of empathy and social support in the aggression dynamics observed among women in prison, influenced by early experiences of discrimination. The study advocates for targeted interventions that enhance empathic abilities and bolster social support networks to reduce aggression and aid in rehabilitation. These insights foster the development of nuanced approaches to addressing the needs of women in prison and have significant implications for policy and practice in correctional and rehabilitative settings.

The Impact of Individual and Team‐Level Variables on Burnout in Healthcare Providers

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the relationships between individual and team‐level factors in influencing burnout among clinical healthcare providers. Focusing on psychological safety, perceived autonomy, perceived team effectiveness, and emotional intelligence, the research aims to understand how these elements contribute to the prevalence and severity of burnout symptoms. Using electronic questionnaires analyzed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study sampled 180 healthcare providers from one large US medical center. The study results found that psychological safety significantly decreases levels of burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion. The results on team effectiveness suggest a complex relationship with burnout, with different dimensions having varied impacts. The study did not find support for the negative prediction of burnout by perceived autonomy and emotional intelligence, contrary to expectations based on prior research. These findings have practical implications for healthcare management, stressing the importance of psychological safety and effective team dynamics in reducing burnout. Overall, this study contributes significantly to understanding burnout in healthcare, emphasizing the critical role of team structures and individual emotional resilience in managing workplace well‐being.

Psychological dynamics of overqualification: career anxiety and decision commitment in STEM

Women’s career progression and empowerment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sectors are critical to attaining SDG 5: Gender Equality because they promote equal access to education, job prospects, and leadership roles, building a more inclusive and equitable society. The purpose of this study is to look into the impact of perceived overqualification (POQ) on career anxiety and career decidedness (CD) among women in STEM disciplines while also considering the function of career identity (CI) and leadership support. With a total sample size of 1,045 participants, two distinct investigations were conducted, one in the educational field (N = 530) and one in an industry setting (N = 515 time-lag). To test the model, the analysis was carried out using the AMOS-24 software program. Our findings show a favorable association between women’s perceptions of overqualification in STEM and their CI. Furthermore, our research shows that a stronger CI among women in STEM corresponds to decreased career anxiety and increased CD. Additionally, we find that a CI is a mediator between POQ and both career anxiety and CD. Our findings also highlight the moderating effect of leadership support in this mediation process. We discuss the theoretical and practical ramifications of these findings.

Social psychology research in the commercial art market: challenges and opportunities

This study investigates the social psychological dynamics of the commercialized art market, employing a multifaceted approach to uncover the complex interplay of factors influencing artistic valuation and market behavior. Utilizing data from 500 top-selling artists and 1000 major collectors over a decade, we conduct quantitative analyses, including time series analysis, principal component analysis, and network structure examination. Our findings reveal the primacy of artist reputation and market demand in price formation, accounting for 45% of the variance in artwork prices. We identify cyclical market patterns aligned with major auction events and economic trends. Network analysis exposes the critical role of intermediaries and community structures in market interactions. Addressing endogeneity concerns through instrumental variable regression, we establish a robust causal link between artist reputation and market outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for artists, galleries, collectors, and investors, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the contemporary art market's complexities. Our study contributes to the growing body of literature on art market dynamics, highlighting the intersection of social psychology, economics, and cultural trends in shaping artistic value.

Different Maps, Same Territory: Dialogical Self Theory and its Predecessors

Dialogical Self Theory has not emerged in a historical vacuum. Its forerunners, whether the Eastern Atman, the tripartite Platonic self with its clear hierarchical relations, the Cartesian “ghost in the machine,” the Freudian ego-id hydraulic model or the Jungian topography of ego and unconscious, represent the theoretical grounding from which the dialogical self has emerged and self-articulated as much as have William James, George Herbert Mead and Mikel Bakhtin. Most of them, including DST, center on developmental models, and see the self as intrinsically oriented toward a more integrated sense of itself that Jung called “wholeness,” although their internal politics differ. Plato is an authoritarian, for whom the rational dimension must rule the spirited and the appetitive; otherwise, disorder and injustice prevail. Freud’s battle cry “where id was, ego shall be” is continually compromised by his realization that “ego is not master in its own house”; and Jung’s notion of wholeness involves a process of compensatory integration of conscious and unconscious contents of the personality that demands intensive shadow work. DST borrows from them all in one guise or another, but, in contrast with its predecessors, places its emphasis on intersubjectivity, polyphony and boundary-work, and as such is positioned for dialogical relations, not only between the I positions within its boundaries, but with the I positions of subjects who are grounded in other social, cultural and political systems. As such, the acronym DST might also stand for Democratic Self Theory, reflecting its historical emergence at a moment of rapidly increasing globalization of the information environment, and the resulting confrontation between disparate ideological traditions and forms of life that were hitherto invisible to each other. This paper represents a preliminary meditation on the infrastructure of DST within the context of the larger theoretical ground from which it emerges. It aims, not to seek exact correspondences or contradictions with other theories, but to act as a “bridging theory” between psychodynamic, constructivist, and humanist theories, thereby exploring the family resemblances that ground it, and acting to deconstruct the boundaries between it and other conceptual landscapes.

Blockchain in Luxury Resale: The Impact of Blockchain Technology Through Regulatory Focus and Uncertainty Reduction Theories

ABSTRACTThe exponential growth of the online luxury resale market has spurred a notable shift toward a circular economy, reflecting the increasing consumer preference for pre‐owned luxury items. Nevertheless, this growth presents challenges related to product authenticity and seller credibility. In response to these concerns, blockchain technology (BT) emerges as a promising solution, leveraging a decentralized ledger to enhance transparency and reduce information asymmetry. This allows for the traceability of pre‐owned luxury goods, addressing issues of provenance and authenticity in the online resale space. By incorporating regulatory focus theory into the uncertainty reduction theory, this study examines how approach and avoidance motivations impact evaluations of BT‐enabled platforms to effectively mitigate consumer uncertainties and influence trust. The collected data (N= 511) was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM; study 1), and a complementary qualitative study (study 2) was additionally conducted. Results reveal that distinct motivations coexist, each following separate pathways to build consumer trust. Findings indicate that an approach orientation mindset highly values the reliability of BT‐enabled information, while an avoidance orientation focuses on risk mitigation and expresses heightened uncertainty in online transactions. Consequently, BT is found to be instrumental in reducing consumer concerns about purchasing pre‐owned luxury products. The study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the psychological dynamics influencing consumer trust in BT‐enabled platforms, has implications for luxury retailers contemplating BT integration, and offers insights into consumer behavior that can inform strategies to enhance perceived trust in online luxury resale.

Family Therapy in Improving the Psychological Dynamics of Fishermen's Families in Kampung Bahari Nusantara

In the daily lives of fishermen, their livelihoods come from natural resources, namely the sea, which makes them have to adjust to the natural situations and conditions. When natural conditions are uncertain, it can cause the mental or psychological condition of fishermen’s families to decline so that it requires an intervention. The goal is to improve the psychological condition of fishing families, located in Kampung Bahari Nusantara on the South Coast of Malang Regency, by providing guidance through therapy. The therapy carried out is a family therapy to reduce the signs or symptoms that can threaten family welfare in families with problems or disorders. Activities were carried out on July 5 – 7, 2023, to conduct data collection interviews and on October 31, 2023, to carry out the family therapy interventions. The methods used were interviews and observations in collecting data, lectures, and group guidance in conducting family therapy interventions. The results of the therapy carried out have a positive impact on the participants to be more open to other family members, understand the differences in the nature of family members, share anxiety still, and can make the family more harmonious. Keywords: psychological dynamics, family therapy, fisherman

Moral Injury in Correctional Health Care.

Due to the complex nature of correctional facilities, correctional health care professionals (CHPs) are at high risk of experiencing the harms of helping such as burnout, vicarious trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although traditionally applied to military populations, the construct of moral injury has gained increasing application to health care and bears relevance to correctional health care. This qualitative study examines the prevalence of moral injury among CHPs while considering the moral dilemmas and ethical challenges of delivering care in a carceral environment. Employing an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of CHPs, selected through nonprobability, purposive sampling. Rigorous thematic analysis, guided by IPA principles, was used. The data revealed five key themes: moral injury is an occupational hazard for correctional health care workers; incidental versus cumulative moral injury; role of institutional betrayal; the intersectional relationship among moral injury, PTSD, and burnout; and the road to moral repair. These themes offer insights into the prevalence and effects of moral injury in correctional health care while offering solutions to navigating moral injury. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex ethical and psychological dynamics within correctional health care settings and explore implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Fighting fiscal awkwardness: How relationship strength changes individuals' communication approach when resolving interpersonal debt.

Social interactions can be uncomfortable. The current research focuses on a particularly uneasy interaction that individuals face with their friends and acquaintances: the need to request owed money back. Nine preregistered studies (N = 6,953) show that individuals' approach to resolving interpersonal debt varies based on their closeness with the requestee. Specifically, people prefer communication methods low in social richness (e.g., digital apps) when requesting money back from weak social connections such as distant acquaintances. However, they prefer communication methods high in social richness (e.g., in-person interactions) when requesting money back from strong social connections such as close friends. Process evidence reveals the psychological dynamics at play: (a) people anticipate discomfort when requesting money back from distant acquaintances in person, driving them away from in-person requests and toward digital apps, and (b) people are more averse to appearing impersonal with close friends, driving them away from digital apps and toward in-person requests. In sum, individuals adaptively approach uncomfortable financial interactions based on the relationship dynamics at hand. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Gambaran Adiksi, Pola Asuh, dan Attachment Style pada Mantan Pecandu Sabu-Sabu di Kota X

The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the experiences of former methamphetamine addicts in rehabilitation centers. The method used method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Subject A who is 28 years old and is undergoing the rehabilitation process in one of the rehabilitation houses in X City participated as a subject. Data collection over five weeks involved interviews and observations. Data analysis involved data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing, with validity checks using triangulation. Interviews revealed psychological dynamics, avoidant attachment style, and permissive-indulgent parenting. Subject shared his journey of addiction to methamphetamine, including emotional changes, antisocial behavior, and the impact on his family relationships. This study provides an understanding of the experiences of former methamphetamine addicts and can help design rehabilitation programs that are more suited to individual characteristics, especially for those with avoidant attachment style

Psychological dynamics of unit-linked insurance product decision-making: a cognitive model

Psychological dynamics of unit-linked insurance product decision-making: a cognitive model

Study on the causes and coping strategies of adolescent mental illness

In recent years, especially since the epidemic, there has been an explosive increase in the incidence of adolescent mental disorders, which has aroused the attention of the whole society. From the perspectives of evolution, humanism, and psychodynamics, this paper analyzes the deep-rooted causes of the increasing incidence of psychological disorders in adolescents and explores various dilemmas adolescents face. From an evolutionary point of view, the current rate of social progress exceeds the rate of human evolution and the rate of cognitive improvement of young people, making it difficult for young people to adapt to complex social environments. In humanitarian terms, excessive academic pressure places a heavy burden on young people. From the perspective of psychodynamics, the conflict between standard, ego, and superego can cause mental illness in adolescents. In addition, this paper points out that adolescent mental illness marks the evolution of social awareness of mental health, and all parties in society need to build a supportive policy framework to foster widespread awareness of mental health.

On coaching and the ethics of care: a psychodynamic approach

This paper is prompted by the intuition that the common ethical theories do not fully comprehend the (internal) psychological structures of the asymmetrical coach-athlete relationship. Through a few examples I attempt to investigate the ethically vulnerable coach-athlete relationships that often emerge. With a philosophical view taken from Nel Noddings’ theory of an ethics of care, I argue that we may need a broader perspective on the ethical issues which also include a psychoanalytic or psychodynamic perspective towards the relationships in question. Doing that would in itself be an ethical approach to take for a deeper understanding of the relationships between coaches and athletes.

Buster Moon Projections: How Cartoon Characters Activate Psychoanalytic Defense Mechanisms in "Sing (2016)"

This research aims to examine the projection of the character Buster Moon in the animated film "Sing" (2016) using a psychoanalytic theory approach, especially defense mechanisms. Buster Moon, an optimistic and persistent koala, struggles to save his theater from bankruptcy by holding a singing competition. This study explores how the character reflects and activates defense mechanisms by projection, both within himself and in interactions with other characters. Denial can be seen in his continued disregard for difficult financial realities. Projection is demonstrated through the way he handles personal fears and failures by focusing on the dreams and ambitions of others. Through this analysis, the author reveals how Buster Moon as a cartoon character functions not only as an entertainer, but also as a reflection of human defense mechanisms, providing insight into how animated films can function as a medium for understanding psychological dynamics in life. Keywords: Film, Projection, Defense Mechanism, Psychoanalysis

Unveiling the dynamics that shape online impulse buying behavior

PurposeThis study uses self-determination theory (SDT) to investigate the impact of limited-time deals and credit card usage on online impulse buying behavior, with a focus on hedonic motivation as a mediating variable.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with 290 participants from northern India, specifically Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR and Chandigarh. The current analysis validates the conceptual framework using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology.FindingsThe results indicate that limited-time deals and credit card usage have a favorable impact on both hedonic motivation and online impulse buying behavior. Additionally, hedonic motivation mediates the relationship between limited-time deals, credit card usage and online impulse buying behavior.Originality/valueThe study’s originality stems from its novel application of the SDT to investigate the effects of limited-time deals and credit card usage on online impulse buying. By exploring the mediating role of hedonic motivation, it sheds new light on the psychological dynamics of online consumer behavior.

Brief psychodynamic psychotherapy for adolescents and their families in crisis: a pilot study

ABSTRACT The global rise in adolescent self-harm and suicidal behaviours has intensified the demand for mental health services in the UK. This has further strained already underfunded and understaffed resources, resulting in longer waiting times and increased emergency department visits among teenagers. To address the overwhelming need for effective community-based emergency support, a brief psychodynamic crisis therapeutic intervention was developed within a CAMHS adolescent crisis team, inspired by child psychotherapist Ruth Schmidt Neven’s work on time-limited psychotherapy with adolescents and their families. This 12-session intervention offers both individual therapy for the adolescent and sessions for their parents, along with regular family reviews. Two psychotherapists work closely together on each case – one with the young person, the other with the parents. The brief model views crises as opportunities for deeper understanding, moving beyond diagnostic and symptom-centred approaches, as well as standard risk management and safety-planning strategies, and underlines the centrality of parent involvement in adolescent crisis work. This paper outlines the intervention’s theoretical foundation, guiding principles, and practical design, and presents preliminary findings from a pilot study of 22 cases, run over two and a half years. Early results suggest broad potential for this psychodynamic crisis approach in various adolescent crises, and merit further investigation.