The core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) applied to literary works: an analysis of two novels written by authors suffering from anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
Two literary works of authors suffering from anorexia nervosa were analyzed with the method of the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) to prove that novels and/or personal accounts may reveal the same maladaptive relationship patterns typically revealed in psychotherapy sessions with this nosologic group.


METHODS
Two novels were selected which promised applicability of the CCRT method due to the completeness of the described relationship episodes.


RESULTS
After several methodologic adjustments, the application of the CCRT method revealed the different courses and developments of the novels. Both the positive and negative as well as the conscious and unconscious relationship patterns were clearly expressed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that after certain adjustments, the CCRT method may be successfully applied to data obtained from sources other than psychotherapy sessions.
Stirn
Aglaja
A
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, I, J.W.Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany. stirn@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Overbeck
Gerd
G
Pokorny
Dan
D
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008093:Literature, Modern; D008513:Medicine in Literature; D011572:Psychoanalysis / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results