[Self-subjugation--a neurotic perversion]

Unlike the more obvious forms of sexual perversion, self-subjugation (sexual dependency) is described by the author as having neurotic affiliations; further, she considers it to be related to masochistic perversion and to be potentially universal in its incidence. With reference to an actual case history. Adler illustrates the influence exerted by this perversion on transference and counter-transference processes. It transpires that sexual self-subjugation is associated with severely restricted perception and an impoverishment of the faculties of signification and symbolization, frequently appearing as a form of concretism that only acknowledges external realities. Sexual dependency acts as a defence against separation anxieties and against acceptance of the fact of needing help from another person.