A PSYCHOANALYTIC STUDY OF WORK INHIBITION.
Item
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Title
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A PSYCHOANALYTIC STUDY OF WORK INHIBITION.
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Identifier
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AAI8708322
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identifier
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8708322
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Creator
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STARK, MICHAEL I.
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Contributor
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I. H. Paul
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Date
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1987
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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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Although Freud described work and love as the two aims in a fulfilling life, few psychoanalytic theorists have addressed the capacity for work and the sources of work inhibition. In this dissertation I develop some psychoanalytically-influenced hypotheses about work inhibition and then offer clinical case studies that support and illustrate these ideas.;The discussion focuses on two primary explanations for inhibition: disturbances related to self and narcissistic development and, secondly, blocks due to internalized conflict. In the self-psychological portion, I describe how immersion in work can be experienced as a peril to the cohesion of the self. Images of work can be used in fantasies of merger and fantasies of perfection, but these prove to be self-defeating forms of ambition because they arouse fears of incorporation and dissolution of identity, and because they depend on a feeling that one's potential work is perfect but also beyond one's imperfect capabilities. Fantasies of perfection often lead, paradoxically, to attempts to avoid risk and maintain stasis, and thus to inhibition of real work.;Other instances of inhibition are better described in terms of intrapsychic conflict over work, its consequences, and its meanings. Choices of work are compromise formations, and are often attempts to resolve identificatory struggles. Some work choices represent attempts to override identifications with troubled parents and can lead to inhibition when these identifications, however painful, are important for identity and bring gratifications. Work can intensify both high aspirations and feelings of defect or incompetence: the clash of one's wishes and one's self-image as work is begun often leads to avoidance.
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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
