Child animal phobia : explorations of what Freud and Lacan have to offer in explaining the origin, possible treatment and the positive aspect of child animal phobia in helping the child navigate the Oedipus complex
Authors
McAleese, Audrey
Issue Date
2011
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychoanalytic Studies
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Child animal phobia is explored in terms of psychoanalysis. Freud’s case history of Little Hans is used to illustrate the origin and treatment of child animal phobia. Freud’s theories of infant sexuality, castration fear and the Oedipus complex are looked at in the context of child animal phobia. Lacan’s interpretation of the Oedipus complex as occurring in three moments, as set out in his Paternal Metaphor Seminar, Seminar V, is related to anxiety, castration fear and phobia, and the outcome of the Oedipus complex. The role and function of the father in child animal phobia is highlighted from the Freudian and Lacanian points of view. The Final Year Project examines the positive aspect of child animal phobia. Author keywords: Child animal phobia, castration fear, Oedipus complex, anxiety, paternal metaphor