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Obsessional phenomena and the development of imaginative competence
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Obsessional phenomena in children aged 8-12 can resolve through dreams, therapy, or falling in love. Differentiating fantasy from reality is key to overcoming obsessional symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Obsessional phenomena often emerge during childhood, linked to developmental anxieties between ages 8-12.
- Understanding the resolution pathways for childhood obsessional symptoms is crucial for effective intervention.
Observation:
- Three distinct cases illustrate the remission of obsessional symptoms in children.
- Obsessional symptom disappearance was associated with unique psychological events.
Findings:
- Recovery pathways included a series of resolving dreams, the formation of a secure therapeutic alliance, and the experience of falling in love.
- The capacity to distinguish between fantasy and reality emerged as a critical factor in symptom resolution.
Implications:
- These findings highlight diverse, non-pathological mechanisms contributing to the resolution of obsessionality.
- Therapeutic approaches may benefit from fostering reality testing and supporting healthy emotional development.