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Masochism revisited: reflections on masochism and its childhood antecedents
1William Alanson White Institute, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Masochism, originally described as sexual perversion by Sacher von Masoch, was elaborated by Freud to include personality pathology, and further developed by Bieber and others. The DSM-III included sexual perversion and personality pathology as separate diagnoses, but were totally eliminated from the DSM-IV. It is the author's thesis that the masochist's self-abnegating language is diagnostic--a disguised attack expressing fear, hate, and contempt of others.
Insights
Masochism, initially a sexual perversion, was expanded to include personality pathology. The author posits that masochistic self-abnegating language is a disguised attack, revealing underlying fear and contempt.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- Masochism was initially defined as a sexual perversion by Sacher von Masoch.
- Sigmund Freud expanded the concept to encompass personality pathology.
- Further developments were contributed by Bieber and other psychoanalysts.
Observation:
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III), listed sexual perversion and personality pathology as distinct diagnoses.
- These diagnoses were subsequently removed from the DSM-IV, leading to a re-evaluation of the concept.
- The author observes a pattern in masochistic individuals' self-abnegating language.
Findings:
- The author's central thesis is that masochistic self-abnegation is diagnostic.
- This language functions as a veiled form of aggression or attack.
- It serves to express underlying emotions such as fear, hate, and contempt directed towards others.
Implications:
- Reinterpreting masochistic language offers new diagnostic insights.
- Understanding this linguistic pattern can inform therapeutic approaches.
- This perspective highlights the complex interplay between self-perception and interpersonal dynamics in masochism.