Description
Book SynopsisTo love repeatedly in an unsatisfying and self-destructive way cripples many people. The dynamics that underlie this painful way of relating often escape clinical attention, and people with subtle yet pervasive masochistic problems often tumble miserably through life with an undetected disorder. The authors propose an object relations approach to psychotherapy with the masochistic personality. In treatment, insight into unconscious conflict is complemented by opportunities for the patient to experience the therapist as a new object offering new possibilities for growth. Patients are offered the opportunity for a corrective interpersonal experience, geared to helping them master unresolved developmental issues and developing more appropriate and satisfying interpersonal relationships.
Trade ReviewGlickauf-Hughes and Wells place the concept of masochism squarely in an interpersonal, relational context. Brining together developmental, characterological, and clinical issues, the authors present a scholarly review of the concept of masochism, leading to a clinically valuable appreciation and elucidation of the complexities of the phenomenon. This comprehensive undertaking is written in easy-to-understand, jargon-free language and offers many clarifying clinical examples. Their attention to issues of the character structure within which masochism may be embedded and the relevance of these distinctions for treatment make this work especially useful for the clinician. -- Althea J. Horner PhD, author of Object Relations and the Developing Ego in Therapy
In this landmark book, the authors rescue masochism from its pejorative roots and gender-based stereotypes and place it squarely within an object relations framework. The authors not only examine the full spectrum of masochism, but with exquisite skill compare and contrast it with other shame-based personality disorders. Of special interest to clinicians is the elaboration of an interactional object relations approach, which goes far beyond the treatment of the masochistic personality. One of the most informative and thorough books on masochism to date, this book will be invaluable to all practitioners of psychotherapy. -- Sheila Cummings, Ph.D., University of Rochester School of Medicine
This book is a tour de force on the masochistic personality—illuminating, lucidly written, hard hitting, theoretically sound, and clinically relevant. Glickauf-Hughes and Wells clarify the etiology, dynamics, and treatment of those with self-defeating personalities and make a strong case for including this diagnosis in our classification systems. Essential reading for everyone treating those who evidence masochistic interactive patterns—a thoroughly contemporary discussion of this troublesome syndrome. -- Florence Kaslow, Ph.D.
