The inability to mourn: Past and current challenges for psychoanalysis.

Area of Science:

• Psychoanalysis
• Social Psychology
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• The capacity to mourn is vital for individual psychic health.
• Its impact on a collective social level is under-examined in psychoanalytic literature.
• Two papers critically address the social implications of mourning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and comment on existing literature regarding collective mourning.
• To discuss the contemporary relevance of mourning to society and psychoanalysis.
• To highlight the current challenges to mourning processes in the Western world.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical commentary on psychoanalytic papers.
• Analysis of socioeconomic factors influencing psychic functioning and mourning.
• Exploration of the link between mourning difficulties and societal problems.

Main Results:

• The ability to mourn is significantly challenged in the contemporary Western world.
• Both "macro" mourning (significant losses) and "micro" mourning (everyday losses) are affected.
• Socioeconomic factors negatively impact mourning processes, leading to psychological distress.

Conclusions:

• Difficulties in mourning contribute to widespread social problems, including social injustice, conflict, and the climate crisis.
• Psychoanalysts have a responsibility to address mourning deficits in clinical settings.
• Addressing mourning is crucial for both individual psychic health and collective societal well-being.