Theory as Ideology: Reparenting and Thought Reform

Abstract

This article suggests that the potential for the misuse or abuse of power lies not only in the personalities of individuals who are in positions of power, but also in the theories on which they base their behavior. The concepts of symbiotic transference and thought reform are described in relation to the theory and practice of psychotherapy, and these ideas are then applied to an examination of the school of transactional analysis known as “reparenting.” A brief history of the development of reparenting is provided, and then the specific form of reparenting associated with Schiff and her co-workers is examined from the point of view of Lifton's (1961/1989) eight criteria for evaluating ideological totalism. The article concludes that Schiffian reparenting theory, particularly the concepts of passivity and passivity confrontation, provides an example of how theory can become ideology and thus be used to support and promote totalism, thought reform, and the misuse and abuse of power.

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Notes on contributors

Alan Jacobs

Alan Jacobs is a social worker, a writer, and a Clinical Training and Supervising Transactional Analyst engaged in private treatment and training in Chicago, Illinois.