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Child analysis with a severely disturbed adopted child.
International Journal of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
|January 1, 1985
Summary
This study explores the psychoanalytic treatment of a severely disturbed adopted boy, highlighting how constitutional factors and parenting influenced his issues. Psychoanalytic therapy can facilitate the unique developmental task of adopted children becoming fully integrated into their adoptive families.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoanalysis
- Child Development
Background:
- Adoption presents unique developmental challenges for children.
- Understanding the psychological implications of adoption across developmental stages is crucial.
- Bert, a 9-year-old adopted boy, exhibited severe disturbances influenced by constitutional factors and parenting.
Observation:
- The case study details Bert's initial presentation and the factors contributing to his psychological distress.
- The psychoanalytic treatment involved three distinct phases: initial sessions, transference development, and termination.
- Specific attention was given to the unique needs of an adopted child within the therapeutic setting.
Findings:
- Constitutional factors, parental dynamics, and psychosexual fixations were identified as key contributors to Bert's problems.
- Psychoanalytic treatment can effectively address the complex issues faced by adopted children.
- The process of becoming the 'true' child of adoptive parents was facilitated through therapy.
Implications:
- This case illustrates the successful application of psychoanalytic treatment for adopted children with severe disturbances.
- The findings offer insights into tailoring psychoanalytic approaches for adopted individuals.
- Effective treatment requires addressing both general developmental challenges and adoption-specific issues.