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(1982). International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 63:149-155

On Loneliness and the Ageing Process

Norman A. Cohen

Pearl King (1980), at the 31st International Congress, pointed out that it was the first time that a paper on the problems concerned with the psychoanalysis of elderly patients had been arranged. She indicated that researches in the theory and practice of psychoanalysis over the past few decades have necessitated a reevaluation of our attitudes, and the criteria we use for the selection of such patients.

Among such researches, I particularly refer to the changes in psychoanalytic understanding and technique that have facilitated clinical exploration of severe narcissistic disorders. These have emphasized the function of the defensive organization as a means of dealing with mental pain, and given us a deeper understanding of the transference relationships that can develop in such patients. Such studies detail the excessive amounts of envy and destructive feelings, and the use of early defence mechanisms such as splitting, projection, denial and omnipotence. This form of defen

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