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Dissertation
The psychology of The taming of the shrew: a male dilemma then and now
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Hahnemann University
Apr 1989
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00009376
Abstract
A psychological analysis of The Taming of the Shrew is presented, and its relevance to psychotherapy and to the male in present-day society considered. (i) The character of the shrew is explored and the qualities that define her are compared with those associated with representations of the negative mother derived from investigations of primitive cultures and from psychological studies. It is concluded from this analysis that the characteristics of the shrew approximate those of a primitive form of the negative mother, and it is hypothesized that the powerfully negative emotions that can be triggered by the shrew are likely to come from an association with this aspect of the internalized mother. Further examination reveals that the shrew possesses additional qualities-those of the hurt and unloved child-which are complementary to those of the negative mother. It is argued that these two sides to the shrew can be integrated within a perspective which views her behavior as the reflection of the two components of a developmental conflict. (ii) The development of the image of the shrew in the male mind is examined. Data and theories on the development of the negative female object are reviewed and the interplay between interpersonal and intrapsychic aspects explored, in assembling a picture of how the image of the shrew may develop and how it may derive its particular fascination and power. (iii) The value there might be for the male in "taming the shrew" is considered from both interpersonal and intrapsychic perspectives. It is argued that a capacity of the male to consciously be aware of, and have access to, his own shrewishness is essential if the taming is to be truly effective, and the relevance of such taming to the psychotherapy of character disorders is considered.
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Details
- Title
- The psychology of The taming of the shrew
- Creators
- Roger C. Sealy
- Awarding Institution
- Hahnemann University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Publisher
- Hahnemann University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- i, 147 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Hahnemann University (1982-1993); Mental Health (Technology/Sciences) [Historical]; School of Health Sciences and Humanities (1988-1993); Psychology [Historical]
- Other Identifier
- 991021888770704721