Citation

Levander S, Werbart A. Psychoanal. Psychol. 2012; 29(1): 1-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/a0024713

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Seven analysands and their analysts were repeatedly interviewed at the beginning, during, and after the analysis about the analysands' problems and helpful and hindering factors in the analytic process. Using the analysands' initial descriptions of their problems, the authors categorized them as anaclitic or introjective according to Blatt's personality model. The hypothesis was that they would differ as to experiences of the analytic work. The introjective group expected improved emotional control and ability to regulate interpersonal distance in addition to better understanding the roots of their problems. The anaclitic group believed that the analyst's strength and empathy would help them handle their need for support and love. The introjective group saw their own problems as the main hindrance in analysis but also directed critique to the analyst as a person. Their analysts experienced that the analysands wanted to do the work by themselves and were difficult to engage in the analytic process. The analysands in the anaclitic group were more occupied by hindrances in the psychoanalytic frame and attitude. Their analysts, on the other hand, sometimes found the work difficult and frustrating. The authors underline the importance of being aware of personality differences in analysands' response to specific dimensions of the analytic process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)