Review
by Deepika Rastogi, Ph.D. on Jun 19th 2007
Volume: 11, Number: 25
From
the viewpoint of clinical practice, the book is an
enlightening account of the dynamics of the
repetition compulsion - a tendency to repeat
certain forms of behavior that are
compulsive and destructive at the same time. The
authors have offered an in-depth analysis of what
causes this form of behavior, the various ways in
which it manifests itself and finally suggest ways
to overcome it.
The
book starts with interesting and day-to-day
examples of relatively harmless forms of
repetitive behavior arousing the curiosity of the
reader. Later, the authors go on to describe the
more destructive forms of repetitive behavior and
its overpowering nature, which often result in
hardships in one's interpersonal relationships at
work and home. According to the authors, the urge
to indulge in repetitive behavior is so strong
that even the hedonistic principle of seeking
pleasure and avoiding pain is compromised for the
need to repeat. What makes it even more difficult
is the fact that this form of behavior is often
beyond one's control and the victim is oblivious
to its presence in his/her life. The origins of
this behavior can usually be traced to some
traumatic experience, faced earlier in one's life
and which have been repressed over a long period
of time. The authors recount several instances
from their clinical practice to show how this self
defeating behavior can almost always result in the
downward spiral of the person if it goes
unchecked. Therefore, the authors offer insights
into resolving the repetitive cycles of behavior
by allowing victims to become aware of its
sabotaging nature. They suggest "talking
cure", steeped in the psychoanalytic
tradition as an effective means to get in touch
with the repressed memories that have caused this
behavior. By doing so, the victims admit these
memories as part of one's life experiences and are
encouraged to move on with life without any
emotional baggage from the past.
Although
the book has some technical jargon relating to
psychotherapy, the authors make their meanings
clear by quoting cases from their clinical
practice. Overall, the book is an interesting read
and will largely appeal to people inclined towards
psychology.
©
2007 Deepika Rastogi |