From green grass to green fields: Intersubjective thoughts about “generative” envy and jealousy

Abstract

In this paper ‘jealousy’ and ‘envy’ are discussed from a unique perspective: as therapeutic goals rather than as maladaptive mechanisms. Furthermore, I suggest that jealousy be regarded as a performance of love. Four states are distinguished here; two of them are ‘primal narcissistic’, and the other two are ‘intersubjective’. Intersubjective envy and jealousy should be embraced as a ‘welcome flag’ that signals a couple's entry into the oedipal layers. Mutuality and shared unconscious are described by means of ‘recognition’ as a central concept. This article views recognition as a form of identification that allows ‘me parts’ to be found and reclaimed from the significant ‘other’. In favor of historical justice and clarity, I introduce a less familiar case of Freud (1933) – Herr. P, and conclude with my own case story.

Key words:

• intersubjectivity
• jealousy
• recognition
• oedipus complex

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 Maria Pierri (2010) has published a profound account of this case, including an unpublished postscript.

2 The ‘clinical illustration’ is inspired by the cases of two of my patients. Both gave their permission to this publication after reading the text.

3 In the case material, both Freud and the writer refer to male patients and male therapists. However, it should be addressed to every analytic couple and multiple genders, as I regard jealousy as a human process.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kopel Eliezer

Kopel Eliezer, PhD, is an adjunct lecturer at the Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel, teaching intervention methods and theories of psychodynamic practice. He is a member of the executive committee of the Israeli Relational Forum of Psychoanalysis and practices intersubjective therapy in his clinic in Tel Aviv.