Deflection of Energy, as a Result of Birth Trauma, and its Bearing upon Character Formation

In this paper I shall demonstrate, through the analysis of a patient, how the whole quantum of energy of a new-born infant comes to be regulated and controlled; and the bearing of a carefully reasoned disposal of this energy, by the infant, upon the character in adult life.

The patient in question was a young man. He was capable, successful in his work, and with great latent ability which, however, he felt he was not using or able to use to capacity. He had certain character difficulties.

An early marriage had been unsuccessful and the parties had eventually separated. It was soon after the divorce that he came for analysis. At that time he was in a physically run-down condition. He had been neglecting himself, and his general appearance was such that he looked almost twice his age.

It should be mentioned that I gave this patient a new form of psychoanalytic treatment in which various graphic media are used as a vehicle of expression. The technique cannot be given here as space forbids. As the material that follows will convey, even though given in tabloid form, it brings up unconscious fantasy much more readily and with a far greater presentation of detail than by the classic method. The whole of the material of this section of the patient's analysis, including the birth trauma which is only touched upon here, covered a period of one month and five days.