A Psycho-spiritual Approach to the Understanding of Masochism

Publication Type

Thesis

Year of Publication

2004

Author

Galasi, Katalin

Academic Department

Psychology

Publisher

Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology

Place Published

San Francisco

Work Type

Diss.

Language

English

Publish Dates

2004

Keywords

masochism
neurosis
compassion
suffering
spirituality

Annotation

Using Weil as a case study, Galasi looks at the relationship between ‘spiritual surrender’ and ‘neurotic submission’ in masochism. The dissertation begins with a review of the psychological literature on masochism, and then turns to a discussion of Simone Weil. After presenting an overview of Weil’s life and a literature survey of work by and about her, Galasi offers what she calls a ‘psycho-spiritual analysis’ of Weil. Galasi argues despite interpretations to the contrary, Weil’s writing bears witness to a powerful neurosis resulting in extreme masochism and ultimately a tragic and unfulfilled life.