AI Article Synopsis
- Freud's 1916 paper on "the exception" is often misunderstood as discussing a general narcissistic defense, but the author argues it's more focused on using the exception as a defense mechanism against recognizing bodily deformity.
- Two cases are examined: one fictional and one from the author's experience, highlighting how magical identification with an ego-ideal can influence self-esteem in those characterized as 'exceptions.'
- The first case illustrates someone trapped in this defensive state, while the second shows how psychoanalysis can reduce this defense; the paper concludes with reflections on therapeutic techniques related to the concept of the exception.
Article Abstract
There is a tendency to regard Freud's paper on "the exception" (1916) as describing a general narcissistic defensive organization, but this paper argues that Freud was primarily concerned with the character of the exception as a defense against acknowledging bodily deformity. Two cases of bodily deformity, one fictional, one drawn from the author's practice, are presented to explore the role of magical identification with an ego-ideal in the regulation of self-esteem in the exception. The first shows a case irrevocably stuck in the character of the exception; the second example shows how analysis can help to effect some lessening of the defense. The paper ends with brief observations on technique in relation to the exception.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00797308.2002.11800697 | DOI Listing |
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