The Problem of Perversion

A work that goes well beyond dealing systematically with the theory and treatment of difficult-to-treat patients suffering from narcissistic behavior disorders. It is also a significant contribution to the fundamentals of self psychology by a creative, productive, and disciplined thinker.-Paul H. Ornstein, M.D. In this exciting and uncommonly lucid volume, Goldberg presents his view from self psychology in a tone of open engagement with other leading analytic thinkers of past and present. As a result, the reader feels more a participant in an exciting debate than an observer in a dusty lecture hall. Those who have turned away from early self psychology will be rewarded by this incisive application of the best of self psychological thought used to enrich prior psychoanalytic understanding.-Warren S. Poland, M.D. Clinicians puzzling over the mysterious set of behaviors termed in our field 'perversions' will be delighted and relieved to discover this newest book by Arnold Goldberg, M.D.In this volume, which is arguably the most innovative extension of Kohut's clinical theory published to date, Goldberg demonstrates that an understanding of the concept of a split, divided self can be expanded and deepened to facilitate a meliorative approach to these narcissistic behavior disorders, illustrating his thesis with clear examples from his practice. We predict that with the publication of this book, no one will be able to treat, or even to think about, perversions without accessing the author's powerful and persuasive formulations.-Morton Shane, M.D., and Estelle Shane, Ph.D., Co-Presidents, Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis