Vol 18 (2020): Continuous Publishing
Other materials agreed with the Editors
Published online: 2020-12-21
Sexual fantasy, unconscious phantasy, and the dynamics of attachment
DOI: 10.5603/SP.2020.0007
Seksuologia Polska 2020;18.
Abstract
This article explores sexual fantasy as an articulation of unconscious phantasy in couple relationships.
Drawing on patterns of attachment, and attending to „pretend” and „psychic equivalence” states of mind,
it considers the potential of partners to combine in enacting shared unconscious phantasy through fantasy-
-driven sexual encounters. Observations about different forms of narcissistic object relating are made in
this context, and some implications for couple therapists suggested.
Keywords: attachment in couplescouple psychotherapynarcissistic object relatingsexual fantasyshared unconscious phantasy
References
- Harlan J. Music in Kubrick’s Films. Lecture given at the Stanley Kubrick Season, St Albans. 2010; 7.
- Glasser M. Aggression and sadism in the perversions. In: Rosen I. ed. Sexual deviation. Oxford University Press, London 1979: 279–299.
- Clulow C, Boerma M. Dynamics and disorders of sexual desire. In: Clulow C, Boerma M. ed. Sex, Attachment and Couple Psychotherapy. Karnac, London 2009.
- Eagle M. Attchament and sexuality. In: Diamond D, Blatt J, Lichtenberg J. ed. Attachment and sexuality. Analytic Press, New York 2007: 27–50.
- Kahr B. Sex and the Psyche. Allen, London 2007.
- Scharff DE. Sexuality, dreams and the somatic link. In: The interpersonal unconscious. Jaso Aronson, Plymouth 2012: 123–138.
- Bettelheim B. The uses of enchantment: the meaning and importance of fairy tales. Penguin, Harmondsworht 1078.
- Rustin M, Rustin M. Narratives of love and loss. Studies in modern children’s fiction. Verso, London 1987.
- Wright K. Mirroring and attunement: self-realization in psychoanalysis and art. Routledge, Hove 2009.
- Holmes J. Exploring in security. Towards and attachment informed psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Routledge, Hove 2010.
- Winncott DW. The capacity to be alone. In: Winncott DW. ed. Playing and Reality. Penguin, Harmondsworth 1971: 49–56.
- Shaver P, Mikulincer M. An overview of attachment theory. In: Obegi J, Berant E. ed. Clinical applications of adult psychotherapy and research. Guilford, New York 2008: 17–45.
- Hazan C, Zeifman D. Sex and the psychological tether. In: Bartholomew K, Perlma D. ed. Advances in personal relationships: Vol 5: attachment processes in adulthood. Jessica Kingsley, London 1994: 151–177.
- Beaulieu-Pelletier G, Philippe FL, Lecours S, et al. The role of attachment avoidance in extradyadic sex. Attach Hum Dev. 2011; 13(3): 293–313.
- Shaver P, Mikulincer M. Adult attachment and sexuality. In: Noller P, Karantzas G. ed. Clinical applications of adult psychotherapy and research. Guilford, New York 2012: 17–45.
- Feeney J, Noller P. Attachment and sexuality in close relationships. In: Harvey J, Wenzel A, Sprecher S. ed. Handbook of sexuality in close relationships. Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ 2004: 183–201.
- Impett E, Gordon A, Strachman A. Attachment and daily sexual goals: A study of dating couples. Personal Relationships. 2008; 15(3): 375–390.
- Fonagy P, Gergely G, Jurist E, et al. Attachment and reflective function: their role in self-organization. Development and Psychopatology. 1997(9): 679–700.
- Fonagy P, Gergely G, Jurist E, Target M. Affect regulation, mentalization, and the development of the self. Other Press, New York 2002.
- Clulow C. How was it for you? Attachment, sexuality and mirroring in adult relationships. In: Nathans S, Schaeffer M. ed. Couples on the couch. Psychoanalytic couple therapy and the tavistock model. Routledge, London 2017: 193–212.
- Britton R. Sex, death and the superego. Experiences in Psychoanalysis. Karnac, London 2003.
- Bowlby J. Attachment and loss: attachment. Hogarth Press, London 1969.
- Bowlby J. Attachment and loss: separation. London, Hogarth Press 1973.
- Bowlby J. Attachment and loss: loss, sadness and depression. London, Hogarth Press 1980.
