Citation

Bradford DT. Psychotherapy 1990; 27(1): 30-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0033-3204.27.1.30

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A psychology of second and third century Christian martyrdom is described in terms of its historical, religious, familial, social, bodily, cognitive, and emotional dimensions, and cases of two martyrs analyzed accordingly. Empirical and psychoanalytic literature pertaining to death anxiety and religiousness is reviewed for the purpose of situating martyrdom within the context of modern research. Clinical case studies of Major Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, and self-mutilation, respectively, are described from the perspective of martyrdom. Implications for psychotherapy are listed in conclusion.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; suicide; depression; review; history; psychological aspect; automutilation; religion; theoretical study