The Forbidden Quest and the Analytic Ideal: The Superego and Insight

Abstract

As is evident in the history of civilization, in myths and dreams, and in Freud's self-analysis, insight has been both prohibited and heroically sought. Psychoanalytic insight into unconscious processes and contents involves a gradual transformation of inner interdictions and ideals through the tolerance of previously forbidden curiosity and knowledge. The analytic process depends upon relaxation of censorship and analysis of the motives and modes of self-criticism and self-punishment. While the superego may also uphold truth, the ideal of insight into psychic reality is relatively rare. The formation and consolidation of an analytic ideal of insight is an outgrowth of and contribution to analysis and analytic education. Analytic education should result in freedom from inner constraints on insight, in independent thought and judgement, and in a continuing "after-education."

Psychoanalytic Identity: Psychoanalysis as an Internal Object

“…Busch (2001), on the other hand, defines the nucleus of every analysis with Kant's maxim-"dare to know"-by which he means the experience of daring to recognize what we do not want to know about our internal world. Blum (1981) points in the same direction when he describes "adherence to unlimited inquiry" and "insisting upon truth and prohibiting lying to others and self-deception" (p. 547) as preconditions of superego functioning in the service of insight. Blum calls this "the analytic ideal of insight," which is, in his opinion, "the outcome of analytic training, experience, identifications, and the capacity to maintain an analytic attitude and identity" (p. 552).…”

Elitism in psychoanalysis in the USA: narcissistic defense against cumulative traumas of prejudice and exclusion

“…The ego ideal is a fragile structure, however, prone to regression to more primitive superego formations under stress. Harold Blum (1981) believes that Freud's aim to penetrate secrets resulted in inner confl ict evidenced by oedipal anxieties, guilt about seeing the forbidden, and so forth.…”

Superego Formation, Adolescent Transformation, and the Adult Neurosis

“…The seemingly guiltless adolescent who is provocative and defiant may actually seek punishment, and the youth full of seeming contrition and remorse may unconsciously be offering only a superficial sop to a conscience that is too easily bribed and too readily placated. Probably the"germ of guilt" has its origins in the second year of life (Blum, 1977), but the affect itself undergoes developmental change consonant with superego-ego development through adolescence. In addition to its pathogenic effects, guilt may contribute to adolescent altruism, with expiatory, reparative behavior, and to selfcritical reevaluation of injunctions and ideals.…”

“…The 894 HAROLD 1' . BLUhI superego is, of course, essentially related to analytic ideals and goals (Blum, 1981) and to the analyst's nonjudgmental neutrality, confidentiality, and analytic ethics. Having previously discussed analytic and parental ideals in terms of progressive development and regulation, I shall here focus on some aspects of superego pathology.…”