Skip to content

Siblings in the unconscious and psychopathology

womb fantasies, claustrophobias, fear of pregnancy, murderous rage, animal symbolism, Christmas and Easter neuroses, and twinnings or identifications with sisters and brothers

by Vamik D. Volkan · 1997

Cover of Siblings in the unconscious and psychopathology

"For too long, psychoanalysis has neglected the vast role of siblings in our emotional lives.... The authors central contention is that experiences with siblings frequently shape pathogenic unconscious fantasies, which must in turn be elucidated in order for treatment to be fully effective. Volkan and Ast deftly use case material to illustrate their theoretical contributions. In exemplary fashion, they blend the best of traditional psychoanalysis with newer theoretical innovations." -- Richard M. Waugaman, M.D.

EtiologyFantasyObject relations (Psychoanalysis)Brothers and sistersMental illnessSubconsciousnessPsychology UnconsciousPsychopathologySibling Relations