Posted by gardenergirl on March 2, 2004, at 20:37:13
In reply to Re: Body Memories, posted by EscherDementian on March 2, 2004, at 20:10:17
Escher,
Found a couple of articles in psychinfo that may be helpful. Take care,gg
Author Robohm, Jennifer S.; Buttenheim, Margaret
Author Affiliation U Michigan Ctr for the Child & the Family, Ann Arbor, US.
Title The gynecological care experience of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse: A preliminary investigation.
Appears In Women & Health. Vol 24(3), 1996, 59-76.
Publisher Info Haworth Press, US. 1996. http://www.haworthpressinc.com
Abstract The gynecological care experiences of 44 adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and 30 non-abused controls were investigated and compared. On a self-administered survey, survivors rated the gynecological care experience more negatively than the controls, experienced more intensely negative feelings, and reported being more uncomfortable during almost every stage of the gynecological examination than did the controls. Survivors also reported more trauma-like responses during the gynecological examination, including overwhelming emotions, intrusive or unwanted thoughts, memories, body memories, and feelings of detachment from their bodies. 82% of the survivors had never been asked about a history of sexual abuse or assault by a gynecological care provider, despite clear evidence from this study that such information would be relevant to their care. (PsycINFO Database Record © 2003 APA, all rights reserved)Author Hepburn, Jan McGregor
Author Affiliation Private Practice, Northumberland, England.
Title The mind-body split and body memory.
Appears In Free Associations. Vol 6(40, Pt 4), 1996, 589-606.
Publisher Info Process Press, United Kingdom. 1996.
Abstract Explores some of the ways in which bodily functions/feelings and cerebral activity may be split, and the ways in which psychoanalytic psychotherapy may run the risk of perpetuating this split. The author describes the mind-body split as a defensive maneuver against the fear of annihilation; body memories are presented as a possible clue in preventing this need for defense. The author argues that the inclusion of direct body memories into the psychoanalytic psychotherapy repertoire, despite the difficulties and anxieties involved, is essential. Not doing so could mean the loss of a chance to fully understand the historical context of the patient and the pathology, an interference with the process of uncovering secret or pre-verbal issues which need to be named and brought into consciousness, and the loss of the therapist's integrity. If the latter happens, the therapist unwittingly becomes the means of reinforcing illness instead of celebrating health. (PsycINFO Database Record © 2003 APA, all rights reserved)
poster:gardenergirl
thread:318813
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040225/msgs/319524.html