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This volume is a significant advance in the development of clinical theory and treatment of a well-known phenomenon: the masochistic patient. More broadly, I think Glickauf-Hughes and Wells present a model of scholarship worthy of emulation among clinical authors. Their presentation appears deeply rooted in clinical experience with individuals and groups, thorough knowledge of the broad spectrum of psychoanalytic-psychodynamic theories, and a willingness to delve into and encompass psychological perspectives into their thinking. Those perspectives are often frequently neglected by psychologists who, once immersed fully in the clinical realm, seem to adopt the psychodynamic metapsychology while forgetting the empiricism on which psychology is based.
More than any recent book I can recall, this book follows well-established principles of expository writing that make it easy to follow complex lines of thought and track important concepts. It follows the “say what you are going to present, present it, and then summarize what you presented” format that is recommended for public speakers. Even the most sophisticated psychoanalytic reader will find complexity to satisfy ego mastery at a high level. Those lacking knowledge and experience in the area will find it more difficult going but, I think, will be impressed and fascinated rather than feeling put down or left out.
Following the difficulties that the psychopathologists have had with the concept of masochism (such as in deriving the concept “self-defeating personality disorder”), one might think that an integration at this stage of knowledge is too difficult or premature. As Glickauf-Hughes and Wells note, “masochism has become, over time, one of the most confusing and controversial clinical and diagnostic terms within the psychotherapy literature” (p. 3). It