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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Special problems for the elderly psychoanalyst in the psychoanalytic process
1Northwestern University, USA. r-chessick@northwestern.edu
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
|January 29, 2013
Summary
The psychoanalytic process is uniquely affected when the analyst is elderly. Recognizing and addressing the patient
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- The presence of an elderly analyst introduces a unique dynamic to the psychoanalytic process.
- Existing literature on the impact of analyst aging is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the effects of an aging analyst on the psychoanalytic process and patient experience.
- To review the sparse existing literature on this topic.
- To highlight the importance of awareness and monitoring in managing these dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature.
- Analysis of clinical vignettes illustrating patient-analyst interactions.
- Discussion of transference-countertransference dynamics.
Main Results:
- The patient's perception of the analyst's aging can significantly influence the therapeutic relationship.
- Unacknowledged issues related to the analyst's age can lead to treatment impasses or acting out.
- Clinical examples demonstrate various manifestations of these effects.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of the analyst's aging and its impact is crucial for successful psychoanalytic treatment.
- Continuous monitoring of transference and countertransference is necessary to prevent silent collusion.
- Ignoring these dynamics can result in treatment destruction, stalemate, or prolonged analysis.
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