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The multiple meanings of neutrality
1Postgraduate Center for Mental Health, New York City.
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Psychoanalytic neutrality, a core concept, has faced significant debate. This paper introduces five distinct categories of neutrality to clarify its application across psychoanalytic theories.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
Background:
- Psychoanalytic theories and practices have historically centered on the principle of neutrality.
- The concept of psychoanalytic neutrality has been a persistent source of theoretical and clinical disagreement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the ongoing dissension surrounding psychoanalytic neutrality.
- To propose a framework for understanding neutrality within psychoanalysis.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of psychoanalytic literature.
- Definition and categorization of neutrality.
Main Results:
- Identified five distinct categories of neutrality: behavioral, attitudinal, interpersonal, interactional, and essential.
- These categories are proposed as relevant across diverse psychoanalytic theoretical perspectives.
Conclusions:
- A nuanced understanding of neutrality is crucial for psychoanalytic theory and practice.
- The proposed five categories offer a structured approach to analyzing and applying neutrality in psychoanalysis.