Insights, Hope, Kindness, and Confusion: Odyssey of a Psychoanalyst.

Abstract

Insights from the author's previous systematic research and psychoanalytic observations are summarized. In a nationwide Gallup sample, segregation was found destructive to African Americans and Whites, although differently so. Clinical experience delineated the number 4 as a symbol, the helpfulness of psychoanalysis, and meanings of schizophrenic symptoms. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) pathogenesis (unconsciously based hurtful parenting) differentiated both parents of schizophrenics and inadequate therapists. A controlled project demonstrated that 70 sessions of psychoanalytic therapy were more helpful than medication with respect to schizophrenic thought disorder, hospitalization, and living a more human life. Masked clinical judgments from Rorschachs, TATs, and interviews were found to be valid. Clinical papers described treating lower socioeconomic status patients, not eating, the 4 bases of delusions, and the necessity to be kind, tolerant, stubborn, and confused and to avoid abstractions.For the American Psychological Association centenary, Division 39 asked me to give a paper on the state of the art of psychoanalysis; its title was "Science, Hope, and Kindness in Psychoanalytic Technique" (Karon, 1989b), because all three aspects are important. Although all of the research techniques in psychology have been useful, psychoanalytic clinical observations, including free association, have yielded the most information about what it means to be human.My introduction to psychoanalysis came from my brother, who shortly after World War II treated my uncle. This apparent breach of the rules came about because my uncle,