| This dissertation examines hysteria as it is represented in psychoanalytic theory. In particular the author uses W. R. Bion's (1962, 1963, 1965, 1967, and 1970) theories to discuss four elements constantly conjoined in and thereby defining hysteria: (1) psychesoma disturbance, (2) disturbances in thinking and knowing, (3) difficulties with sexuality, and (4) rejection of personal agency. Overall, the author emphasizes the hysteric's unique difficulties dealing with the "ultimate truth", or Bion's (1965, 1970) "O", and examines several ways of thinking about the hysteric's style of transforming O. One way the author considers the hysteric's transformation of O is in her formulation of "beta element modifying functions". These functions are first performed by the maternal object and then internalized by the hysteric. She discusses how these, in addition to the "beta element evading functions", developed by Bion are involved in hysteria. The author also illustrates, by utilizing examples from the case history of Anna O., how Bion's (1965) three transformations: rigid motion, projective, and transformations in hallucinosis are also ways of viewing hysterical responses to the "ultimate reality" or "O". Lastly, the author emphasizes the importance of understanding that the hysteric's primary struggle has to do with being in O and by implication sustaining K links. She argues that although current theory suggests that hysterics attack K links, these observations must include that K is defended against as a precursor to becoming O. |
