Psicologia psicodinamica sigmund freud biography

Gianluca Santoro, MSc, & Adriano Schimmenti, PhD

UKE – Kore University of Enna

Abstract

In this article we present three key domains for the understanding of the psychological functioning of serial killers: a) omnipotence and the wish for domination; (b) sadistic love for the object; (c) withdrawal into fantasy, denial, and dissociation. The analysis of these domains is critical to identify the motivational, cognitive and relational processes involved in serial murderers. In particular, we propose a psychodynamic-oriented theoretical framework, by which traumatic childhood experiences and psychobiological factor predisposing to violent conducts are responsible for the deviant development of personality in serial killers.

Keywords: serial killer, psychodynamics, trauma, fantasy, dissociation.

 
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Introduction

According to the indications provided by the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the term “serial killer” indicates a person who murder two or more people in separate events. This definition summarizes the behavior of the serial killer, but it does not explain the motivational dynamics and the intrapsychic factors that are involved in serial killing. In this respect, the presence of different classifications for identifying categories of serial murderers (e.g., Canter et al. 2004; Dietz 1986; Holmes & DeBurger 1988; White et al. 2010) indicates  some disagreement in the literature about the psychological factors involved in serial killing. For example, it can be observed that the opinions of Holmes and DeBurger (1988) and Canter et al. (2004) about serial killer classification are conflicting. Holmes and DeBurger describe four specific types of serial killers, that is, visionary, mission-oriented, hedonistic, and power/control-oriented

ARTICLES
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

The psychodynamics of prejudice: a bibliographic review

La psicodinámica del prejuicio: revisión bibliográfica

Rafael C. de Brito; Berenice Carpigianio

Mackenzie Presbyterian University (UPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Correspondence

ABSTRACT

The present research aims to investigate how the psychoanalytic theory of the intrapsychic functioning of the prejudiced can help to delimit the psychic characteristics of this social evil. Methodologically speaking, we conducted a bibliographic review, a study of the selected documentary sources in an orderly, systematized and documented way, with clearly delimited criteria and procedures. Seventeen articles were selected and each one was studied and analyzed. As a main result, we concluded that prejudice is, basically, a mechanism of identification. The primary functions it serves are directed towards the maintenance of good object relations and the narcissistic cohesion of the Self in the face of the threat of its destruction by the sense of ambivalence. Hence, the individual needs to protect the identifications that are the basis of his/her Self through defense mechanisms that place both the genesis and the product of his/her anguishes on others, fundamentally perceived as different.

Keywords: prejudice; psychodynamics; psychoanalysis; ambivalence; identification.

RESUMEN

La intención de esta investigación fue explorar como la teoría psicoanalítica del funcionamiento intrapsíquico de personas con prejuicios puede ayudar a delimitar las características anímicas de ese mal social. Metodológicamente, utilizamos la investigación bibliográfica, un estudio de las fuentes documentales seleccionadas de manera ordenada, sistematizada y documentada, con criterios y procedimientos claramente delimitados. Diecisiete artículos fueron seleccionados, estudiados, fichados y analizados. Como principal resultado, se pudo concluir que

Approach to psychology

Psychodynamics, also known as psychodynamic psychology, in its broadest sense, is an approach to psychology that emphasizes systematic study of the psychological forces underlying human behavior, feelings, and emotions and how they might relate to early experience. It is especially interested in the dynamic relations between consciousmotivation and unconscious motivation.

The term psychodynamics is sometimes used to refer specifically to the psychoanalytical approach developed by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) and his followers. Freud was inspired by the theory of thermodynamics and used the term psychodynamics to describe the processes of the mind as flows of psychological energy (libido or psi) in an organically complex brain. However, modern usage differentiates psychoanalytic practice as referring specifically to the earliest forms of psychotherapy, practiced by Freud and his immediate followers, and psychodynamic practice as practice that is informed by psychoanalytic theory, but diverges from the traditional practice model.

In the treatment of psychological distress, psychodynamic psychotherapy tends to be a less intensive (once- or twice-weekly) modality than the classical Freudian psychoanalysis treatment (of 3–5 sessions per week) and typically relies less on the traditional practices of psychoanalytic therapy, such as the patient facing away from the therapist during treatment and free association. Psychodynamic therapies depend upon a psychoanalytic understanding of inner conflict, wherein unconscious thoughts, desires, and memories influence behavior and psychological problems are caused by unconscious or repressed conflicts.

Despite largely falling out of favor as the primary modality of psychotherapy and facing criticism as being "non-empirical", psychodynamic treatment has been shown to be effective at treating a number of psychological c