THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SELF AND PATHOLOGICAL OVEREATING.
Item
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Title
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THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SELF AND PATHOLOGICAL OVEREATING.
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Identifier
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AAI8119679
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identifier
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8119679
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Creator
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WHITE, CECILIA MARTIN.
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Contributor
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Laurence J. Gould
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Date
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1981
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical
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Abstract
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This paper examines eating disorders and pathological overeating in particular as related to a central defect in the self. It is proposed that the hypercathexis of the oral drive occurs when the cohesiveness of a fragile self is threatened by the loss of selfobject sustenance. In reaction to this threat an individual experiences feelings of emptiness, depletion, and disintegration anxiety, and he attempts to fill in the defect in the self either by stimulating himself or soothing the anxiety through addictive eating.;The relevant aspects of the literature of the psychology of the self are presented and the significant support for these ideas in the eating disorders literature is examined at length. A case history of a narcissistically disturbed patient whose presenting problem was compulsive eating is offered to illustrate the interface between self defects and overeating. In addition, the written self-reports of bulimarexics and binge-eaters are presented as experiential descriptions of the binge experience. Finally, the implications for treatment are explored, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of the self and providing selfobject support to individuals who seek treatment for eating disorders.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
