The Omnipotent State of Mind: Psychoanalytic Perspectives

This book explores the concept of omnipotence, its qualities, and its appearance in the psyche, psychoanalytic process, and society. It examines omnipotence in infants, children, adolescents, and adults, why it is difficult to give up, and how it is expressed in culture and society. The international selection of contributors represents the range of attitudes towards omnipotence within different psychoanalytic traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The exploration of the concept of omnipotence, encompassing its qualities, expression as a psychic state, origins in the psyche, and appearance in the psychoanalytic process and society, is presented in this comprehensive book. While closely linked with narcissism, omnipotence warrants its own examination from various psychoanalytic perspectives. From its positive value in normal development to its potential as a destructive element in the personality, this book delves into the multifaceted nature of omnipotence.

Organized into five parts, each part explores a distinct theme related to omnipotence. Contributors examine omnipotence in infants, children, adolescents, and adults, exploring the reasons behind its difficulty to relinquish and the ways in which it manifests itself in culture and society. The international selection of contributors showcases the diverse attitudes towards omnipotence within different psychoanalytic traditions.

This book is of immense interest to psychoanalysts in practice and training, as well as psychoanalytic psychotherapists, and professionals engaged in studying omnipotent states of mind. Its comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into the complexities of this fascinating concept, enriching the understanding of mental health professionals and scholars alike.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032027937