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"PLAYING WITH REALITY" IN A NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMP.

Ilany Kogan1

  • 12 Street Mohaliver St., 76304, Rehovot, Israel. ilanyk@yahoo.com.

American Journal of Psychoanalysis
|February 9, 2022
PubMed
Summary
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Play can be a powerful coping mechanism during extreme trauma, such as in Nazi concentration camps. Engaging in play helps individuals master trauma, regain balance, and restore symbolic thinking, as seen in "Life is Beautiful".

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Trauma Studies
  • Film Analysis

Background:

  • Traumatic experiences, particularly in extreme environments like Nazi concentration camps, pose significant threats to psychological well-being.
  • Play is often considered a childhood activity, but its role in adult coping under duress is less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function and significance of play as a psychological defense mechanism within the context of severe trauma.
  • To analyze how play can facilitate psychological resilience and adaptation when confronting horrific realities.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative analysis of the film "Life is Beautiful" as a case study.
  • Examination of the film's narrative to identify instances and functions of play within a concentration camp setting.
Keywords:
Active mastery of the passive traumaSymbolic functioningSymbolization or defense

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Main Results:

  • Play served to actively master passive trauma, transforming unbearable internal realities.
  • Engaging in play helped re-establish inner equilibrium and recover symbolic functioning.
  • The act of playing enhanced life forces, enabling psychological survival.

Conclusions:

  • Play is a vital psychological tool for coping with extreme trauma, offering a means of regaining control and preserving mental integrity.
  • The film "Life is Beautiful" effectively illustrates how play can be utilized to navigate and survive horrific circumstances.
  • Further research into the therapeutic applications of play in trauma recovery is warranted.