The role of the superego in exhibitionism

Int J Psychoanal Psychother. 1978:7:333-53.

Abstract

The exhibitionist's relationship to his superego is a definitive feature of his general psychopathology of which the exhibitionistic act is only one manifestation. This relationship involves a compelling and persistent active defiance of those aspects of the superego which impose moral and ethical restrictions on behavior and a pervasive resistance to those aspects of the superego which demand adequate standards of functioning and conduct. Some of the implications of this as regards the treatment of exhibitionists are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Authoritarianism
  • Exhibitionism* / etiology
  • Exhibitionism* / therapy
  • Father-Child Relations
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Paraphilic Disorders*
  • Psychoanalytic Therapy
  • Risk-Taking
  • Self Concept
  • Superego*
  • Underachievement