Et psykoanalytisk og et postmoderne perspektiv på selv/egoopløsning i en psykedelisk kontekst

Abstract

Self or ego dissolution (SED) is a recurring, yet vaguely defined phenomenon often associated with positive therapeutic outcomes within clinical research on classic psychedelic substances. The aim of this thesis is to achieve a deeper understanding and improve terminological clarity of SED in a psychedelic context, here defined as research settings in which moderate to high doses of psilocybin are administered. SED is investigated from two different psychological perspectives to demonstrate how different understandings of the self and ego can contribute differently to the understanding of SED. Firstly, Freud’s theory of the subject constitutes a psychoanalytical perspective, which focuses on intra- and intersubjective processes in the constitution of the subject. Secondly, Rose’s theory of the subject constitutes a postmodern perspective, which focuses on contextual processes in the constitution of the subject. A qualitative systematic review (SR) is conducted to apply these theories analytically to empirical data on SED. The SR consists of 10 studies containing qualitative descriptions of subjects’ experiences with SED in a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapeutic (PAP) context. A thematic analysis of the subjects’ experiences is presented, and synthesized into four meta-themes that describe recurring characteristics of SED. These are 1) a stronger feeling of essence, 2) a greater feeling of connection, 3) a different bodily experience, and 4) a challenging but eventually blissful or meaningful experience. On the basis of the psychoanalytic analysis, it is suggested that SED can be understood as related to changes in the boundaries of the meta-psychological I and regression to primary processes including the fantasy and the skin ego. Additionally, based on the postmodern analysis it is suggested that SED can be understood as influenced by an unusual psy-context. Critical reflections on how the thesis contributes to the understanding of SED are presented and the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen theories and empirical data are discussed, specifically regarding interpretation bias, generalizability, data extraction, validity, causality, and eclecticism. It is concluded that the thesis provides insights important to psychological understandings of SED, insights that have potential clinical relevance. However, it is also argued that the investigation highlights that SED is a phenomenon that is difficult to capture and therefore should be investigated further from alternative psychological perspectives.

Experiences of access to healthcare among newly arrived immigrants in Denmark: Examining the role of residence permit

“…These results confirm findings from existing research on barriers to healthcare that immigrants often encounter [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]; however, no direct comparisons can be made on the prevalence of the barriers due to differences in design. To use the distinction from gilgonzalez et al, immigrants in Denmark face barriers of accessibility rather than of entitlement [10].…”

“…some health providers such as psychologists, physiotherapists and dentists [8,9]. Depending on their specific health condition or, in exceptional circumstances, their financial situation, patients may be exempted from paying such costs.…”

Searching for a brighter future—Lived experiences of ongoing recovery processes following COVID‐19 infection

“…Similarly, the study by Loft et al [26] revealed that some patients were able to develop hope over time. It has furthermore been suggested that uncertainty of whether their health would improve led some patients on a journey towards settling into a new normal for their everyday life activities [6,26]. In addition, Almgren et al [31] found that living with the post COVID-19 condition may lead to a revaluation of what is considered important in life.…”

“…The impact of COVID-19 has been described in terms of the lived experience of profound and multi-faceted uncertainties, whereby the body is central, both in terms of the expression of fluctuating symptoms and in managing needs and priorities in relation to ongoing recovery, and associated shifting practices of care for oneself and others [6,7]. Similarly, Missel et al [8] found that being afflicted by COVID-19 virus did not only affect the biology of the body but was also experienced as a threat to ordinary existence, bodily perceptions and usual social relationships.…”

“…Similarly, Missel et al [8] found that being afflicted by COVID-19 virus did not only affect the biology of the body but was also experienced as a threat to ordinary existence, bodily perceptions and usual social relationships. On their way towards a new normality, people furthermore have described the body as marked and how it made them feel vulnerable and isolated in their social life [5][6][7]9].…”