Father regression. Clinical narratives and theoretical reflections

Area of Science:

• Psychoanalytic Psychology
• Psychology of Religion
• Sociology

Background:

• Traditional psychoanalytic thought primarily addresses the Oedipal and nurturing father figures.
• A significant gap exists in understanding the archaic, phallic father and his impact on son(s).
• The concept of 'primitiveness' in paternal object relations requires further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the continuum of love-hate enthrallment and submission to primitive paternal objects.
• To fill the gap in psychoanalytic understanding of the archaic father figure.
• To explore the question of 'What is a father?' through literary and religious lenses.

Main Methods:

• Psychoanalytic case study analysis.
• Exploration of three distinct constellations illustrating a continuum of paternal object relations.
• Integration of literary and religious themes to contextualize the father-son dynamic.

Main Results:

• A continuum of father-son relationships is identified, ranging from protective bonds to extreme submission.
• Analysis reveals intense 'God-transference' and bondage to idealized, feared father-god introjects.
• Extreme submission to persecutory, godly objects can lead to destruction and self-destruction, as seen in religious terrorism.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the need to expand psychoanalytic discourse to include the archaic father.
• Understanding extreme submission to primitive paternal figures is crucial for comprehending destructive behaviors.
• The concept of fatherhood is complex, intertwined with psychological, literary, and religious dimensions.