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The personal myth as a defence against internal primitive aggression
The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|January 1, 1988
Summary
The personal myth develops through distinct stages, from sensory experiences to complex thoughts. This symbolic creation aids in psychological separation and individuation, reflecting early developmental conflicts.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoanalytic Theory
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- The personal myth is a complex psychological construct.
- Its developmental origins and functions remain areas of exploration.
- Understanding its formation is crucial for psychoanalytic theory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To hypothesize a developmental sequence for personal myth formation.
- To explore the function of the personal myth in separation-individuation.
- To investigate the latent content and its relation to developmental phases.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case material analysis.
- Hypothesized developmental stages of mental processing.
- Psychoanalytic theoretical framework.
Main Results:
- A proposed developmental pathway for personal myth formation: body sensations to screen memories, then thoughts, culminating in the myth.
- The personal myth may function analogously to transitional objects, supporting separation-individuation.
- Latent content links to oedipal and pre-oedipal conflicts, with pre-oedipal dominance indicating primitive representations and heightened anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Personal myth formation is a gradual developmental process.
- The personal myth plays a role in psychological development and conflict resolution.
- Pre-oedipal conflicts significantly shape personality structure and emotional regulation.