Adult agoraphobia and childhood separation anxiety: using children's literature to understand the link

Article Abstract:

Many childhood stories depict the universal theme of separation anxiety. This dilemma, if unresolved, may manifest itself in disorders in adulthood such as agoraphobia, a fear of public situations from which escape (from humiliation) might be difficult. Much attention has been focused on the psychoanalytic meaning of fairy tales. Bruno Bettelheim describes the childhood fairy tale as existing on two levels. The first level is the entertaining narrative; the second is a story that engages the unconscious. Four essential features of the fairy tale, according to Bettelheim, are fantasy, recovery from despair, escape from danger, and consolation at the end. This author has considered eight factors which seem to incorporate the primary qualities of these stories. In general, the story commences with a separation which produces anxiety in the main character; confusion ensues, along with a journey; an evil character is usually present, as well as a helper or friend. The protagonist, in the end, is somehow transformed, and returns home both stronger and wiser. Classic stories are presented including Peter Rabbit and the Wizard of Oz, along with more contemporary stories that are similar, such as E.T. These stories not only contain universal themes, but also incorporate cultural changes and reflect certain sociological concerns. Also, three case histories of adults with symptoms of agoraphobia or panic attack are presented. These individuals all seemed to have at the root of their pathology an unresolved childhood separation anxiety. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Care and treatment, Causes of, Children's literature, Panic disorders, Panic disorder, Separation anxiety, Separation anxiety (Child psychology)

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The psychological pain assessment scale

Article Abstract:

A psychological pain scale is presented and discussed, rating psychological pain on a scale of 1 to 9 and describing pain as emotions including shame, grief, hopelessness, and anguish. Pictures that depict mental pain of various degrees are used to illustrate how individuals rate the degrees of psychological pain.

United States, Innovations, Diagnosis, Measurement, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Psychological tests, Neuroses

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