Repetition Compulsion and Sociopolitical Trauma: A Neoliberal Artifact

ABSTRACT

Repetition compulsion is a foundational concept in classical psychoanalytic theory. Relational theory extends our understanding of repetition compulsion by proposing the importance of the inability to feel in the face of relational severing. In this paper, we conceptualize how the model of repetition compulsion, one that has previously concerned the intrapsychic and interpersonal realms, can be extended to systems-level dynamics that occur under neoliberalism. Defunding of social programs in tandem with centering individuals as hyper-responsible for their wellbeing tasks the therapeutic dyad with responsibilities that have been structurally disavowed. A case example illustrates these points.

This article is referred to by:

Rediscovering Freedom and Responsibility through a Decolonial Psychoanalytic Lens: Discussion of Friedman & Nakash’s “Repetition Compulsion and Sociopolitical Trauma”

Musings About “Repetition Compulsion and Sociopolitical Trauma: A Neoliberal Artifact”

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anne Friedman

Anne Friedman, Ph.D., LCSW is a social worker at aFederally Qualified Health Center in Oakland, CA, where she also maintains a private practice. Her research concerns power and identity in the workplace, and she has a particular interest in the impact of neoliberalism on public sector psychotherapy services.

Ora Nakash

Ora Nakash, Ph.D., is a Professor and Licensed Clinical Psychologist at the School for Social Work at Smith College, Northampton, MA. Her research focuses on the study of the effects of social and cultural factors on mental health with specific interest in mental health disparities with the goal of improving the access, equity and quality of these services for disadvantaged and minority populations. She has a private practice in Newton, MA. Email: [email protected]