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Melitta Schmiedeberg gives an extremely interesting factual report on her observations during the London blitz. Although these observations do not bring any surprising new psychoanalytic insights, the report makes fascinating reading and gives a moving glimpse into the 'deeper layers' of life during the London blitz.
The author's own summary runs as follows: 'There were very much fewer dramatic reactions to the raids than had been expected. It is true that a number of cases of "raid-shock" have probably escaped observation and that many of those who could not stand the raids left for the country. But the majority of the population adapted itself to the new "blitz reality". It did so by acquiring new standards of safety and danger and by gradually learning to take the bombing as an unpleasant but unavoidable part of life. Fearlessness was usually based on the secret conviction "I cannot be hurt"—an emotional denial of the possibility of being hurt and regression to the narcissism of the baby. Adaptation was helped by identification with those less frightened than oneself and "projection" of the frightened part of oneself on to more timid people. Activity, providing a sublimated outlet for aggressiveness and countering the feeling of helplessness, was a help. Rational fears were increased by irrational ones. Yet the "blitz situation" also provided ample libidinal, sadistic and masochistic satisfaction. The condition of certain neurotics improved.'