(1956). International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 37:36-45 We see quite a number of patients who are free from neurotic symptoms but who behave pathologically. Such patients suffer from so-called character neuroses. They discharge their impulses, wishes, and fantasies in the external world, while symptom neurotics usually satisfy their drives through their own person. Character neurotics perform strange actions for which they sometimes find justifications, sometimes not. However, it is usually not possible to distinguish the rational from the irrational in their behaviour. Often it takes years before the irrational motivation is recognized; meanwhile they may have ruined themselves and their families. Whereas the symptom neurotic suffers from his illness and usually endures it passively, the character neurotic is hardly aware of being ill, and through his acts obtains gratification for his unconscious strivings. Before we go further in our discussion, we must try to understand the nature of character. This is a difficult task, fo [This is a summary or excerpt from the full text of the book or article. The full text of the document is available to subscribers.] |
