Guilt: A Contemporary Introduction

This book explores the complexity of the concept of guilt, highlighting aspects that have been overlooked in psychoanalytic theory and discourse. It distinguishes between persecutory and reparative guilt, explores the superego and conscience, and discusses various types of punitive guilt. It also examines patterns of self-punishment and self-sabotage and critically reviews recent contributions to psychoanalytic literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating and groundbreaking book delves into the intricate nature of guilt, unveiling previously overlooked aspects of psychoanalytic theory and discourse. Through original insights, Donald Carveth examines Freud's failure to differentiate between persecutory guilt and reparative guilt, as well as the distinction between the superego and the conscience. The significance of these distinctions for psychosocial theory and clinical practice is explored throughout the volume. Carveth categorizes different types of punitive guilt, including justified, unjustified, borrowed, induced, existential, and collective. He adeptly describes patterns of self-punishment and self-sabotage, while also addressing the widespread use of persecutory guilt and self-punishment as a defense against and evasion of reparative guilt, contrition, and reparation. Throughout the book, Carveth critically reviews a diverse range of recent contributions to psychoanalytic literature to reinforce his theories. Part of the Routledge Introductions to Contemporary Psychoanalysis series, this book captivates scholars, psychotherapists, social scientists, social philosophers, and those interested in ethics and theology alike.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032389301