A CASE OF REACTIONAL DISSOCIATION (HYSTERICAL PARALYSIS)

Abnormal behavior studied from such an objective standpoint makes possible descriptive terms derived from actually observed behavior conditions rather than from medical or psychological traditions. In this article reactional dissociation (hysterical paralysis) is presented to be so ideally commonpla...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of orthopsychiatry 1937-04, Vol.7 (2), p.219-224
Main Author: Carter, Jerry W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Developmental Psychology
Dissociation
Female
Functional Paralysis
History
Human
Paralysis
Personality
Traditions
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Summary:Abnormal behavior studied from such an objective standpoint makes possible descriptive terms derived from actually observed behavior conditions rather than from medical or psychological traditions. In this article reactional dissociation (hysterical paralysis) is presented to be so ideally commonplace as to make up for its spectacular deficiencies. It is possibly of more than usual interest for this reason particularized as follows: first, the pertinent developmental history of the patient's pathology is complete and distinct; second, the initial ease and suddenness with which this history was brought out is noteworthy; and finally, the patient's response to planned treatment was ideal. In light of the above findings it was considered essential that the patient return, figuratively speaking, to the situation of the parental triangle and learn to meet it with complete acceptance. This, it was believed, would eliminate the basis of her hysteria and redirect her reactional biography towards a more normal behavior picture. To this end a frequent and thorough review of the domestic scene in question was prescribed, along with physical and occupational therapy for the duration of hospitalization. In the following discussion of the Fox case we will attempt to illustrate the efficacy of the organismic viewpoint when applied to abnormal behavior of bio, graphic origin. It will be noted that the only limitations imposed by this logical technique are our powers of observation and breadth of empirical experience. With this end in view, the patient was required to re-experience the incidents basic to her abnormal behavior equipment under conditions more favorable to building up a hygienic basis for personality adjustment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ISSN:0002-9432
1939-0025
DOI:10.1111/j.1939-0025.1937.tb05279.x