Decoding Psychoanalysis | 06 Jan 2024
For Prelims: Psychoanalysis
For Mains: Ethical Aspects Involved in Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalysis and Criminal Rehabilitation
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.
- Unconscious Mind: Freud proposed that much of human behavior is influenced by unconscious desires, fears, memories, and conflicts, often stemming from early childhood experiences.
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.