Decoding Psychoanalysis

• 06 Jan 2024

For Prelims: Psychoanalysis

For Mains: Ethical Aspects Involved in Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalysis and Criminal Rehabilitation

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Delhi Police revealed that six individuals accused in the Parliament breach incident underwent psychoanalysis to decipher their motives.

What is Psychoanalysis?

• About: Psychoanalysis is a set of theories and therapeutic techniques that treat mental disorders.
  • It aims to treat a range of mental health issues by investigating the relationship between the unconscious and conscious elements of psychological experience.
  • It was pioneered by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese psychiatrist, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Key Aspects Related to Psychoanalysis:
  • Unconscious Mind: Freud proposed that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious desires, fears, memories, and conflicts, often stemming from early childhood experiences.
    • Psychoanalysis delves into the unconscious mind, exploring how it shapes thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and personality
  • Id, Ego, Superego: Freud introduced a structural model of mind comprising the id (driven by instincts and pleasure), ego (mediates between id and reality), and superego (internalizes societal norms and values).
    • This model helps understand conflicts within the mind.
  • Psychoanalytic Therapy: It involves verbal exchanges between the patient and therapist, aimed at exploring unconscious conflicts and gaining insight into one’s emotions and behaviors.

What are the Ethical Aspects Involved in Psychoanalysis?

• Informed Consent: The patient must be fully informed about the nature of psychoanalysis, its potential benefits, risks and alternatives before beginning treatment.
  • This is crucial because the process often involves delving into personal and sensitive topics.
  • Furthermore, obtaining informed consent also safeguards against potential violations of Article 21, as highlighted in the Selvi vs State of Karnataka & Anr Case (2010).
• Confidentiality: Maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount in therapy. However, in some situations, therapists may face ethical dilemmas, such as when a patient poses a danger to themselves or others.
  • Balancing confidentiality with the duty to warn or protect can be challenging.
• Transference and Countertransference: Both the patient and therapist can experience strong feelings or reactions toward each other due to past experiences or unresolved issues.
  • Managing these emotions ethically to ensure they don't interfere with treatment or professional boundaries is important.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Therapists need to be culturally competent and aware of their biases to ensure they provide appropriate care and respect diverse perspectives.

How Psychoanalysis can Help in Criminal Rehabilitation?

• Developing Empathy: Psychoanalysis can foster empathy by helping individuals understand the impact of their actions on others.
  • Through self-reflection and insight gained in therapy, offenders can develop a greater understanding of the consequences of their behavior, leading to increased empathy.
• Impulse Control: For individuals with a history of violent or impulsive behavior, psychoanalysis can assist in understanding and managing these tendencies.
  • By exploring deep-seated emotions and unresolved conflicts, individuals can learn to better regulate their emotions and impulses, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
• Preventing Recidivism: By addressing the core motivations, individuals are better equipped to break free from destructive patterns and reintegrate into society in a meaningful way.