Trauma, inner conflict, and the vicious cycles of repetition

Abstract

This paper deals, first theoretically with the concepts of trauma, narcissism, and conflict causality, then clinically with the recurrent sequences of compromise formations which form characteristic vicious circles of a narcissistic, masochistic, and addictive kind, and ends with some technical conclusions and a psychological and philosophical reconsideration of the concept of repetition compulsion. The repetition compulsion, reflected in those “vicious cycles”, is viewed as an attempt to attain in symbolic ways affect regulation and conflict resolution which proves blocked because the affects and the drive needs evoked by them and closely connected with them, the forms of defense, and the superego demands, are all of a global quality and therefore irreconcilable with each other. Therefore, the consistent endeavors to express them in symbols also have to be defeated. Narcissistic crises, loyality conflicts, and shame-guilt dilemmas have a commanding position in the triggering of those sequences, of the ensuing impulsive actions, and of the splitting of consciousness and identity.