Fathers Who Fail

Shame and Psychopathology in the Family System

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Family Therapy, Mental Health
Cover of the book Fathers Who Fail by Melvin R. Lansky, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Melvin R. Lansky ISBN: 9781134881376
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: May 13, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Melvin R. Lansky
ISBN: 9781134881376
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: May 13, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Despite the burgeoning literature on the role of the father in child development and on fathering as a developmental stage, surprisingly little has been written about the psychiatrically impaired father. In Fathers Who Fail, Melvin Lansky remedies this glaring lacuna in the literature. Drawing on contemporary psychoanalysis, family systems theory, and the sociology of conflict, he delineates the spectrum of psychopathological predicaments that undermine the ability of the father to be a father. Out of his sensitive integration of the intrapsychic and intrafamilial contexts of paternal failure emerges a richly textured portrait of psychiatrically impaired fathers, of fathers who fail.

Lansky's probing discussion of narcissistic equilibrium in the family system enables him to chart the natural history common to the symptomatic impulsive actions of impaired fathers. He then considers specific manifestations of paternal dysfunction within this shared framework of heightened familial conflict and the failure of intrafamilial defenses to common shame. Domestic violence, suicide, the intensification of trauma, posttraumatic nightmares, catastrophic reactions in organic brain syndrome, and the murder of a spouse are among the major "symptoms" that he explores. In each instance, Lansky carefully sketches the progression of vulnerability and turbulence from the father's personality, to the family system, and thence to the symptomatic eruption in question. In his concluding chapter, he comments tellingly on the unconscious obstacles - on the part of both patients and therapists - to treating impaired fathers. The obstacles cut across different clinical modalities, underscoring the need for multimodal responses to fathers who fail.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Despite the burgeoning literature on the role of the father in child development and on fathering as a developmental stage, surprisingly little has been written about the psychiatrically impaired father. In Fathers Who Fail, Melvin Lansky remedies this glaring lacuna in the literature. Drawing on contemporary psychoanalysis, family systems theory, and the sociology of conflict, he delineates the spectrum of psychopathological predicaments that undermine the ability of the father to be a father. Out of his sensitive integration of the intrapsychic and intrafamilial contexts of paternal failure emerges a richly textured portrait of psychiatrically impaired fathers, of fathers who fail.

Lansky's probing discussion of narcissistic equilibrium in the family system enables him to chart the natural history common to the symptomatic impulsive actions of impaired fathers. He then considers specific manifestations of paternal dysfunction within this shared framework of heightened familial conflict and the failure of intrafamilial defenses to common shame. Domestic violence, suicide, the intensification of trauma, posttraumatic nightmares, catastrophic reactions in organic brain syndrome, and the murder of a spouse are among the major "symptoms" that he explores. In each instance, Lansky carefully sketches the progression of vulnerability and turbulence from the father's personality, to the family system, and thence to the symptomatic eruption in question. In his concluding chapter, he comments tellingly on the unconscious obstacles - on the part of both patients and therapists - to treating impaired fathers. The obstacles cut across different clinical modalities, underscoring the need for multimodal responses to fathers who fail.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Germinal Life by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Agricultural Development in China, 1368-1968 by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Libraries Within Their Institutions by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Debating the Lewis Turning Point in China by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Imagination in Teaching and Learning by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book The Magnificent Ride by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Personal Identity and Literature by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Archives and Archivists in 20th Century England by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Ethics and the Use of Force by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Rereading Modernism by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Evolutionary and Interpretive Archaeologies by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Sex Integration in Sport and Physical Culture by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book The Making of Modern Irish History by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Coping With Globalization by Melvin R. Lansky
Cover of the book Spatial Aspects of Environmental Policy by Melvin R. Lansky
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy