A psychoanalytic perspective on potential links between affluence and problem behaviours in young Irish adults

Abstract

Since the mid 1990's Ireland has enjoyed an economic boom known metaphorically as 'The Celtic Tiger'. Statistics recently released reveal data pertaining to levels of suicide, criminality, and problematic behaviour demonstrated by young adults which does not concur with promise of the 'panacea for all' that usually accompanies wealth. To investigate this anomaly this research forwards a theory from a psychoanalytic perspective claiming that the idealization of wealth and pleasure is effectively leading to a diminution of the 'name-of-the-father' function. Issues surrounding sex differences and Rotter's locus of control are also explored. Three psychometric tools on narcissism, impulsiveness, and locus of control were utilized for this purpose. While being inconclusive test results appear to indicate some support for the theories proposed.