A Glossary of Psychoanalytic Terms and Concepts has been published by the Association. Although prepared for distribution at the Seminar for Science Writers, it is believed that the glossary will be a useful adjunct in the teaching of psychoanalytic candidates, psychiatric residents and medical students. Other physicians, social workers, nurses, and behavioral scientists may be interested as well.
Initiated by the Committees on Public Information and Indexing, preparation of the Glossary received the enthusiastic support of the Association and its members, over 70 of whom contributed definitions. Drs. Burness E. Moore and Bernard D. Fine were the editors, and Drs. Mark Kanzer, Bernard L.
Pacella, and George Wiedeman, associate editors. Mrs. Helen Fischer, Executive Secretary of the Association, gave invaluable assistance throughout the project, and made arrangements for the printing.
Only a limited number of copies could be made available at the time of the December meeting, but as soon as possible, a copy will be sent to each member. Additional copies will be available from the Central Office at a price not yet determined. An announcement will be made when the book is ready for general distribution.
By presenting a brief compendium of major psychoanalytic concepts and frequently encountered terms, the volume attempts to clarify psychoanalytic theory in simple, understandable language. Like the psychoanalytic process it defines, the glossary begins with acting out and ends with working through. 161 terms are defined separately and 125 more are briefly but sufficiently defined in the text of the other definitions. There is an index for the terms not separately defined.
The book also contains a statement about the nature and activities of the American Psychoanalytic Association, a summary of the minimal standards for the training of psychoanalysts, and a brief historical note about the Association. A short bibliography is included to introduce the reader to various aspects of psychoanalysis.