Seeing through the eyes of the perpetrator: A goal-directed function of introjection

Abstract

This paper proposes that introjection experienced as a traumatic presence has a goal-directed function, subcortically mediated with essential cortical participation. Anticipation of further relational trauma activates this post-traumatic process in which the victim remains watchfully engaged, monitoring from the dominant other’s perspective. In consequence, the victim endures a persistent objectifying perspective, a seeing and experiencing from out-there and in consequence, a loss of seeing and experiencing from within. This objectifying perspective emerges from the ontogenetic origins of shame designed to shape compliance with the wishes and needs of more dominant others for the child’s protection, social learning, and guidance. However, this ontogenetic process becomes disintegrating and maladaptive in the context of sustained interpersonal trauma. With sufficient reinforcement, it evolves into an attractor state experienced as a traumatic presence. Emerging information on the role of the cingulate in directing attention and mentalizing is consistent with this conceptualization. A sequence of clinical vignettes is used, not as a case study, but rather as a means to access experiential phenomena that illustrate the origins and evolution of this introjective process.

Keywords:

• attachment
• introjection
• trauma
• shame

Acknowledgements

The author is very grateful to MDC for her exceptional help with this project. She thanks Dr. Jeffry Andresen and Dr. Timothy Lacy for their ideas regarding this topic.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 The name and any identifying details of this patient have been disguised, and her writing has been used with her permission.