Just as psychoanalytic interest in masochism dates from the earliest days of psychoanalysis, the various approaches to its understanding have reflected the developmental vicissitudes of psychoanalytic theory as it moved from its early focus on instinct to considerations of psychic structure and oedipall dynamics, object relations, separation-individuation, self-organization, and self-esteem regulation, and as it progressed into more systematic investigation of child development.

Masochism: Current Psychoanalytic Perspectives offers an updated review of perspectives on masochism influence by current developments in psychoanalytic research and theory. The newer emphasis on and investigations of early preoedipal events have, as Cooper stresses in this volume, provided a significant scientific and clinical yield. The application of these newer perspectives to the issue of masochism holds considerable promise.

About the Author

Robert A. Glick, M.D., is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Univeristy, and Associate Director and Training and Supervising Analyst, Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

Donald I. Meyers, M.D., is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Co-chairman, Child and Adolescent Training Program, and Training and Supervising Analyst, Columbia University Cetner for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

Reviews

"Hats off to Drs. Glick and Meyers for having honed this volume on contemporary views of masochism into an eminently readable and incisive presentation. Thanks to their skill as editors and teachers, the reader comes away with a much clearer picture of the current state of our understanding of masochism and a coherent, multifaceted theoretical framework within which to make crucial diagnostic distinctions concerning object relations and level of ego and superego development."

- Paula P. Bernstein, International Journal of Psychoanalysis

"We can welcome Masochism as a valuable addition to our libraries, whether or not we are pure psychoanalysts or practitioners of a more eclectic persuasion. Glick and Meyers have presented a well-written, easily understood first chapter, which directs the reader's attention to twelve intriguing and varied discussions of this complex, contradictory, but nearly ubiquitous existential human phenomenon. Readers of this book cannot help but add something to their knowledge of the psychoanalytic theory of masochism. Most of us will learn a great deal."

- Robert D. Strochak, American Journal of Psychotherapy

Book Information
ISBN 9780881631715
Author Robert A. Glick
Format Paperback
Page Count 250
Imprint Analytic Press,U.S.
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 272g