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Biomedical subjects

J A Mehler

Publications and source records attributed to J A Mehler.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Love and male impotence.

This paper deals with male impotence in relation to love. A detailed clinical presentation attempts to show how the symptom was embedded in faulty processes of separation-individuation, whereby regression in the service of intercourse, passion and love is hindered by the fears and fantasies underlying merging experiences. These problems are examined as they appear interwoven in transference and counter-transference phenomena. The clinical case presentation is followed by a discussion of different forms of male impotence from a more general viewpoint; its relation not only to castration and phallic anxiety, but also to earlier developmental aspects. Finally, some reflections about male and female gender differences in relation to symbiotic experience.

Countertransference↗
PubMed1989

Hope and hopelessness: a technical problem?

The authors discuss a particular technical problem raised by two patients whose analysis seemed to be at a standstill. The analysands had been complaining for a long time, repeating with a monotonous, plaintive tone that there was no more hope for them. The statement of hopelessness assumed a specific meaning in the frame of their resistance within the analytic relationship. All possible interpretations had been tried until both analysts--independently--resorted to a similar unusual technical strategy which is the issue of this paper. The analyst is invested with the unrealistic task of preserving the illusion that unsatisfied needs or lost objects can be supplied and restituted. This illusion coexists with constant resentment of its lack of fulfillment. Hope alternates with hopelessness and the paradox lies in the necessity to have both coexist as an extreme defence against separation. The resentment and the mournful complaint represented the last and unique possible tie with the primary object and giving this up would mean the definite downfall of illusion and admission that it is really, truly lost for ever.

Adult↗