Sadism: Psychoanalytic Developmental Perspectives

by Amita Sehgal (Editor)

Psychoanalytic Developmental Perspectives is founded on the premise that paying close attention to what is happening in our internal world can help us understand the rise of sadism in the world of popular culture. Voyeuristic sadism as a form of entertainment appears to be on the rise, an increase corresponding with an upsurge in public appetite for sadomasochism as a recreational activity. This book acts as a forum in which psychotherapists present psychoanalytic perspectives on the phenomenon of sadomasochism at different stages of the human in childhood, adolescence, adulthood and in later life, and consider its developmental roots.

Over the last half-century, through books, movies, computerized video games and drama, the stories we are being sold as representing aspects of contemporary culture market two sadism and victory. How might we understand this, and can psychoanalysis help us make meaning of this aspect of human relating?

 

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2018

Reviews

[Jan Notzon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not for the layman. There is intense psych argot. I will have to put it aside for a while and then come back and read it again. I would have most appreciated a glossary. Among other jargon, I would like to know what "containment" might be.

I found the case studies interesting and what I could follow of the analysis was interesting as well. Perhaps after another read I might find it a bit more fulfilling. I was surprised at how few books there are on this topic and what creates a sadist.

[Pdx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent in it's own right. Interesting analysis of sadomasochistic dyads( ' toxic relationships ')and curiously, into sadism as we age.

Will look into more soon.

[Michele Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent clinical presentations of difficult cases
Good overview of pathological narcissism

couple therapy interesting with very difficult cases