FERENCZI'S EVOLVING CONCEPTION OF NARCISSISIC PATHOLOGY AND ITS BASIS IN TRAUMA

Area of Science:

• Psychoanalysis
• Psychological Trauma
• Narcissism Studies

Background:

• Sándor Ferenczi's work evolved, revealing a deep connection between psychological trauma and narcissism.
• He conceptualized narcissistic disorders as adaptive responses to childhood abuse or neglect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Ferenczi's evolving understanding of narcissism in relation to trauma treatment.
• To analyze Ferenczi's therapeutic innovations designed to address narcissistic defenses.

Main Methods:

• Ferenczi's therapeutic experiments, including active technique, relaxation technique, and mutual analysis.
• Analysis of how these techniques addressed narcissistic fantasies and underlying trauma.

Main Results:

• Ferenczi's active technique initially challenged omnipotent fantasies but later shifted focus to trauma.
• Relaxation technique aimed to counteract emotional neglect, while mutual analysis addressed parental hypocrisy.

Conclusions:

• Ferenczi's work highlights the link between early trauma, narcissistic defenses, and the therapeutic process.
• His techniques evolved to directly address the impact of abuse, neglect, and hypocrisy on the self.