Some observations on not telling the truth.
Lying, in the analytic situation of essentially neurotic patients, is proposed to represent a re-enactment within the analysis and transference neurosis of a particular aspect of the oedipal conflict. These lies permit the partial recovery of old memories and perceptions; the emergence of certain unconscious wishes and fantasies, while simultaneously continuing to protect those wishes by a variety of mechanisms which are best conceptualized as "screen functions"; and the expression of resentment over being lied to by one or both of the oedipal objects. Connections are also made between the oedipally determined lie and an infantile primal-scene trauma.
D000328:Adult; D008192:Deception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*