Maximization of Happiness as an Ethical Treatment Goal
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7982793 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Enrico Gnaulati (0000-0003-3549-1914, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 52-60 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-02 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychoanalytic Inquiry (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0735-1690 • E-ISSN: 1940-9133 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/07351690.2025.2549661 |
| OpenAlex | W4413744980 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 5 |
The “ethical turn” in psychoanalytic psychotherapy is to be commended for reimagining ways of practicing infused with a spirit of compassion, hospitality, and welcoming to address and diminish client suffering. However, arguably, the ultimate purpose of psychotherapy is the maximization of happiness, which includes but extends beyond the mitigation of suffering. A more thoroughgoing “ethical turn” in the field obligates therapists to assume a measure of responsibility for clients’ chances of greater life happiness via a preparedness to perceive their anguish as a psychological gateway to actualizing thwarted potentialities, assist them find purpose in life anchored to true interest and aptitude, confirm personally meaningful manifestation of virtuous character traits, and be overt in conveying pride in moments of pridefully earned accomplishments displayed and communicated
Happiness · Maximization · Psychoanalysis · Psychotherapist · Child Therapy and Development · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology
| Highly cited | No |
|---|