Self-Condemnation And Psychoanalysis: In Continuation Of Sigmund Freud’s Criminological Theory
Dewang Mehta, LL.M., Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
ABSTRACT
According to Marriam Webster Dictionary “Self – Condemnation” refers to “ the act or an instance of condemningone's own character or actions : condemnation of oneself”. “Psychoanalysis” on the other hand is “a method of analyzing psychic phenomena and treating emotional disorders that involves treatment sessions during which the patient is encouraged to talk freely about personal experiences and especially about early childhood and dream”. Psychoanalysis treatment is used to cure the mental conflicts between “ID”, “SUPER EGO” and “EGO”. The cure is imperative because of the “Guilt” formation due to overdeveloped super ego which in itself results in the guilty person to want “Punishment”. On the other hand, when a person is reminded by own – self about the past emotions, deeds , experiences, certain self - acts or omission which led to a crime or some act which was opposite to the law of society in which he lives in, he/she is led to self – condemnation which is condemning one’s own self. The proposed idea is, at both described above situations, the guilty person either wants punishment or forgiveness from state authorities or by something or someone omnipotent or omnipresent to wash of his guilty away, respectively, which will result into him/her leading a new phase of life again without the constant feelings of guilt. The main idea of this research paper is to bring in the knowledge of the reader, that self – condemnation and one of the components of Psychoanalytical criminological theory, which is super ego and its treatment by “Psychoanalysis” is same in application, be it different in terminologies. Psychologist needs constant healthy relationship with patient to cure such mental conflicts, but, self – condemnation on the other hand needs forgiveness.
Keywords: Psychoanalysis, Self-condemnation, Sigmund Freud, ID, SUPER EGO, EGO.
