Two models of masochism

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the author discusses two models of masochism. The starting point is a two-perspective theory on therapeutic action, put forward at the Anna Freud Centre. In one model, focus is on processes reflecting functions the patient has acquired (or not). In the other model, focus is on available representations. In the latter theory, one goes into the psychic material (the representations), in process or function theory, again, one concentrates on the use of the material. From these two perspectives, the author looks into masochism and the negative therapeutic reaction. In both models masochism seems to reflect a felt impossibility to accept vulnerability. The vulnerability, however, relates (in respective theory) to different realities. Three cases are used as illustrations.

KEYWORDS:

• Masochism
• negative therapeutic reaction
• genitality
• mutuality
• vulnerability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. There have been also other, but similar, ways of describing the two models. See, e.g., descriptions of “classical psychoanalysis” vs. “developmental help” (A. Freud, 1974), and the models of “conflict” vs. “deficit” pathology (Killingmo, 1989).

2. Fonagy notes that parents do the right thing when they abstain from mirroring genital approaches, and offers some ideas of the evolutive reasons for this behaviour.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Henrik Enckell

Henrik Enckell, MD, PhD, is a Training and Supervising psychoanalyst in the Finnish Psychoanalytical Society. He works in private practice, and is an Adjunct Professor (Docent) at Jyvaskyla University.