Autonomy and Rigid Character

by David A. Shapiro

Beginning with a discussion of the problem of autonomy in dynamic psychiatry and a review of its development from infancy to adolescence, the author of Neurotic Styles explores, with numerous clinical examples, the distortion of the development of autonomy in obsessive-compulsive conditions, in sadism and masochism, and, finally, in paranoia.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Scott Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rigid thinking is a huge problem in contemporary America. Politically, inflexibility and a lack of dialogue are holding democracy back. Socially, many of us are so stretched that we are unable to entertain new ideas. When rigid, we become defensive and dug in. We are unwilling to admit when we’re wrong. Relationships can decay. At its worst, these behaviors snowball into psychopathologies like compulsions, obsessions, paranoia, and even schizophrenia.

Although David Shapiro’s book was written 44 years ago, I found its insights still penetrating. I found it when reading another book citing this work, and the title intrigued me. It thankfully addressed many emotions I’ve encountered in people around me. How am I to react when someone else feels threatened by me? What can be done when someone in power becomes defensively entrenched? What signs can I look for to prevent such situations in the first place? How can I be an agent of peace among inflexible people?

Power relationships will continue to perplex the human race, and a lack of autonomy – the ability to rule ourselves – lies at the root of many of power’s abuses. This book covers the entire gamut of how someone feeling insecure about their self-rule can transform into an entire mess of problems. It covers developmental psychology, troublesome symptoms, and full-blown pathologies.

This book speaks towards an audience of counseling practitioners: psychiatrists, talk therapists, and the like. It requires a degree of self-awareness and psychological literacy that makes it inaccessible to a broad audience. Nonetheless, I suggest those who work in positions requiring high autonomy – organizational leaders, educational administrators, researchers, and the like – can benefit from reading this book and working through some of their own issues. It will undoubtedly help to deal with power relationships more equitably and compassionately. I’m grateful I stumbled upon it.

[manaal · Rating 4 out of 5]

god did my parents read this and absorb it into their beings or is he just an empath. but yea very on the nose descriptions, imo, no solutions but i guess knowing what’s going on is a step forward in and of itself

[Timothy Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the most important book I have ever read in my life! The author describes the psychology of my father perfectly. I understood what made him tick for the first time. I read it in 2008 after my brother died - it was an enormous help and source of comfort during that difficult time.