Discussion

PSYCHOANALYSIS IS NOT DEAD as long as observable phenomena remain the object of critical reformulation and clearer conceptualization. Dr. Schimel's article bears testimony to this in its intent and its execution. It also lends itself to criticism and clarification.

I shall confine my remarks to an appraisal of what may be reductionistic in the proposition that obsessionalism is essentially, if not exclusively, a stress-conditioned episode in the career line of the negativistic and/or the incorrigible personality in Sullivan's scheme of developmental disorders. I shall raise some questions, as well, in regard to related matters of other personality developments and pertinent disorders.

To begin with, I believe that the "obsessional's continued dedication to Power-Over and his hopes for dominance in interpersonal affairs" are not necessarily overlooked by the "sentimental" view of the infant or the child as a victim of manipulative parents, unless the patient or the therapist make a fetish out of this, or an ultimate explanation and justification. The question is rather why what was a necessity in the past continues to be a habit in the present, and purports to be a virtue for the future. This view is compatible with seeing the obsessional as attributing extraordinary power to words and ideas, having to know before he has an opportunity to learn, needing to be right no matter what, thus doubting any decision he is called upon to make. It also fits with his having to use assumptions