Further Experimental Studies of Dynamic Propositions in Psychoanalysis—On the Function and Meaning of Regressive Thinking

This paper represents a further attempt at demonstrating the utility of an experimental approach as an aid in developing clinical theory. The particular method that has been described involves the presentation of drive-related and neutral stimuli to subjects at a subliminal level, observing the effects of each on ego functioning and symptomatology. The general conclusion that has been suggested by the studies to date is that when a drive-related stimulus registers subliminally, it makes contact with whatever congruent drive derivatives are active in the individual at that time. Then, depending on the specific content of the stimulus, either an unconscious conflict can be stimulated, leading to an intensification of pathology; or it can be momentarily "resolved," resulting in a temporary abatement. The specific outcome obtained thus can help to elucidate the dynamic conditions underlying the pathology under consideration. In the current work, a series of experiments was described which were designed to provide an understanding of regressive thinking and, by implication, other disturbances that can be conceptualized as involving a loss of ego boundaries. From the results obtained, a formulation was offered bearing on the specific function and meaning of this kind of ego pathology and some clinical and theoretical implications of this proposal were discussed.