Individuation-Attachment and Suicide Trajectory

A Developmental Guide for the Clinician

Bibliographic Data

ID13628649
AuthorsKalman J Kaplan (0000-0002-9329-0208, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, corresponding author), Shirley A Worth (Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan)
Year1993
Volume27
Issue3
Pages207-237
Publication date1993-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2190/80qd-uth6-93kh-g22v
OpenAlexW2017950302
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited92

This article applies a two-axis model of human development to the problem of suicide trajectory. The two-axis approach represents a fundamental shift in the way Eriksonian stages are viewed. Typical interpretations of Erikson suggest healthy development is achieved by resolving each stage crisis horizontally in favor of the syntonic as opposed to the dystonic ego quality. A two-axis view proposes that an organism begins each stage at the negative or dystonic position in reaction to the stage-initiating life event and must move ahead vertically to achieve the positive syntonic quality and the attaining of a stage-specific syntonic equilibrium. We are suggesting that successful development involves not the avoidance of the negative or dystonic ego qualities at each stage but the very plunging into each of them as the natural sequela of the preceding life event. Successful development involves working through a stage vertically to attain the respective stage-specific positive or syntonic ego position, followed by forward regression to the next advanced stage. The logic of this developmental axis is simply that the loosening of one's defenses (i.e., greater permeability of walls) should occur in conjunction with the strengthening of one's ego (i.e., greater definition of boundaries). Incongruent resolution of the individuation-attachment dilemma results in “enmeshment” (attachment to the external world without individuation), or in “disengagement” (remaining detached even after becoming sufficiently individuated). Extreme distress can result from the attempt to simultaneously apply enmeshed and disengaged styles to cope with the overwhelming challenges of the new life stage, creating a potentially suicidal level of stress

Developmental psychology · Dilemma · Disengagement theory · Epistemology · Erikson's stages of psychosocial development · Id, ego and super-ego · Individuation · Loevinger's stages of ego development · Psychoanalysis · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Personality Disorders and Psychopathology · Philosophy · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology

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