The Neurotic Constitution by Adler Alfred

Author:Adler, Alfred. [Alfred Adler]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781136330445
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

CHAPTER III

NEUROTIC PRINCIPLES : SYMPATHY, COQUETRY, NARCISSISM, PSYCHIC HERMAPHRODITISM, HALLUCINATORY SECURITY, VIRTUE, CONSCIENCE, PEDANTRY, FANATIC ATTACHMENT TO TRUTH

IN our preceding observations we were able to follow the various attempts, preparations and dispositions of a patient which were conditioned by the setting in of the masculine tendency. The resulting fear of the man was so great that every amative relation was prevented until treatment made it possible. In very many cases the masculine protest manifests itself in an apparently opposite direction. The patients constantly begin new relations which, however, easily languish and are menaced by peculiar turns of fortune. On the other hand, they are capable of contracting marriage one or more times and also of dissolving the marriage again. Very often the deepest passions of love are shown which are strong enough to overcome all obstacles and are usually only augmented by them. The same phenomena are observed in male neurotics. Upon closer observation the well known traits of the neurotic subject are again found (first of all the desire for mastery) which, make use of the relations of life as a vehicle for realizing themselves demonstrably in the same manner as do his other characteristics. The desire to possess everything finds expression in such a way that all men, at times, all human beings, become an object for conquest and in pursuing this object, coquetry, necessity for tenderness, and discontent with the lot assigned by fate, play an important part. The preference for difficulties is often remarkable. A little girl prefers only big men, or love first declares itself when the parents forbid it, while the attainable is treated with open disdain. In the conversation and deliberation of such girls the limiting word emerges constantly. They wish only a cultured, only a broad, only a masculine man, only a platonic love, only a marriage without children, only a husband who will permit their entire liberty, etc. The tendency toward detraction is often so obvious in this process that hardly a man remains who would fit the requirements. Usually they have a completed, often unconscious ideal, in whom are mingled the features of the father, the brother, an imaginary personage, or a literary or historical character. The more we become acquainted with these ideals, the more are we convinced that they are advanced as a fictitious standard in order to detract from reality by comparison with them. The psychic tendency with the accompanying features of an " unwomanly " nature, which frequently gives rise to sexual liberty, unfaithfulness and unchastity, reveals obviously a striving after the masculine ideal. Analysis often shows original organic inferiority, an exaggerated feeling of inferiority, a remarkable original higher estimation of the male which follows on the heels of detraction as a means of assurance. Other assurances strengthen the opinion we have formed. Such ideas as, all men are rough, tyrannical, have a bad odor, are infected, etc., reveal the influence upon apperception of this trend. In male neurotics are observed ideas of a suspicious nature

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