Related Experiment Videos
[The concept of masochism]
1Service Médico-Psychologique, Hôpital Saint-Pierre, Bruxelles.
Abstract:
The terms masochism and masochistic behaviour are clinically used for acceptations extending well beyond the relatively well-defined limits of sexual perversion. If it is indeed rather unusual to see a masochist pervert identified as such among psychiatric hospital or ambulatory patients, yet you very often find in a medical record the term masochist applied to a patient without there being any question of his sexual habits. This enlargement of the concept masochism has its roots in the works of Freud who introduces, next to the masochist perversion, notions of feminine and moral masochism. The aim of this paper is to re-situate in the light of psycho-analytic theory, the specificity of the various masochistic formulas in order to render them their semiologistic value, more particularly in connection with the therapeutic indications involved.
Insights
This paper explores the broader clinical use of "masochism" beyond sexual perversion, as conceptualized by Freud. It aims to clarify different forms of masochism and their therapeutic implications in psycho-analytic theory.
Area of Science:
- Psycho-analytic theory
- Clinical psychology
- Psychopathology
Context:
- The clinical application of "masochism" extends beyond sexual perversion.
- Freud's work introduced concepts like feminine and moral masochism.
- The term "masochist" is frequently used in medical records irrespective of sexual habits.
Purpose:
- To re-evaluate the specificity of various masochistic concepts within psycho-analytic theory.
- To restore semiological value to different forms of masochism.
- To clarify therapeutic indications associated with masochistic behaviors.
Summary:
- This paper examines the expanded clinical usage of masochism, moving beyond its definition as a sexual perversion.
- It delves into Freudian concepts of feminine and moral masochism.
- The study aims to differentiate these forms and their clinical relevance.
Impact:
- Provides a clearer psycho-analytic framework for understanding diverse masochistic expressions.
- Aids in refining diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients exhibiting masochistic traits.
- Enhances the understanding of masochism in non-sexual contexts within clinical practice.