The Role of Fantasies, Countertransference, and Psychological Defenses in Patient Violence
Abstract
Over the past decade the management of aggression on psychiatric units has generally focused on pharmacologic and physical interventions rather than on psycho-dynamic concerns. The author reviews the dynamics of violence and discusses how clinical staffs fantasies, countertransferences, and psychological defenses may interact to trigger patient aggression. Interventions that address these issues with staff include developing a cohesive treatment team in which clinical staff can express their feelings without the need to explore the psychodynamic underpinnings, having clinical leaders maintain a strong presence on the unit to serve as role models, and providing regular inservice training.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).