Screen reconstructions: traumatic memory, conviction, and the problem of verification

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychoanalysis

Background:

• Screen memories can re-emerge or form anew during psychoanalytic treatment.
• The process of reconstruction in psychoanalysis can lead to the development of screening phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between psychoanalytic reconstruction and the emergence of screening phenomena.
• To propose that psychoanalysis can foster mutually agreed-upon, yet potentially untrue, screen constructions.

Main Methods:

• The paper discusses theoretical aspects of screen formation within the analytic context.
• It examines factors contributing to screen construction, including regression, superego injunctions, and analyst influence.
• A case example of a repressed memory is analyzed through the lens of screen reconstruction.

Main Results:

• Psychoanalytic treatment can generate convincing screen constructions that serve a masking function.
• These constructions may contain elements of truth but primarily act as resistance to painful transference themes.
• Accepting screen constructions as historically accurate prevents analysis of their screening role.

Conclusions:

• Screen constructions in psychoanalysis, while seemingly valid, can obscure underlying conflicts.
• Understanding the factors contributing to their formation is crucial for effective analysis.
• The study highlights the importance of critically evaluating reconstructions and seeking external validation when necessary.