Through a glass darkly: psychoanalysis and incest
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Authors
Hayward, Judith P.
Issue Date
1987
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper traces the history of Freudian thought as it evolved from Freud's early "seduction theory" through to his discoveries of psychical reality, the unconscious, and psychoanalysis. It compares the theoretical concepts of psychoanalysis as they pertain to incest with current practice in treating incest therapeutically, including the present legal requirements. The theoretical presentation is integrated with both current literature on the subject of incest and interviews with practicing analysts and therapists. A number of discrepancies between Freudian theory on incest and popular understanding of that theory are pointed out, including the notion that Freud "abandoned" his theory of seduction because he did not believe his patients' stories of childhood seductions. In this context, the development of Freud's understanding of the interplay between psychical and material reality and their place in therapy is explored. It is argued that contemporary understanding and treatment of incest has much to learn from psychoanalysis and the philosophical implications of its theory.