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Some clinical consequences of introjection: gaslighting
The Psychoanalytic Quarterly
|January 1, 1981
Summary
People may use introjective defense mechanisms, like "gaslighting," to cope with greed. This psychological defense involves a victim and victimizer dynamic, each expressing oral impulses uniquely.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoanalytic Theory
Background:
- Psychoanalytic theory posits regression to earlier developmental stages as a defense mechanism.
- The Oedipal complex is a key stage where individuals confront specific psychosexual conflicts.
Observation:
- Some individuals regress from Oedipal impulses to an introjective (oral) defense mode.
- This regression involves various defensive maneuvers leading to observable behaviors.
Findings:
- The study identifies "gaslighting" as a specific outcome of introjective defense.
- Gaslighting involves a dyadic interaction where victim and victimizer share psychological modes.
- This dynamic serves to defend against oral, incorporative impulses, particularly greed.
Implications:
- Understanding gaslighting as an introjective defense offers new clinical insights.
- This framework may aid in analyzing and treating individuals exhibiting such behaviors.
- Further research can explore the nuances of this defense in various psychological contexts.