Abstract
Background: Myths about vampires have been part of the culture in Western society since ancient times. In recent years, there has been a recrudescence of interest in vampires among teenagers, who have embraced books, movies and television programs on this subject.
Method: This article will explore the history and origins of the vampire myth and through a psychoanalytic and psychodynamic perspective, will analyze the life and work of Bram Stocker, the author of the ever-popular novel Dracula. It will also analyze the many modern variations on the vampire metaphor and explain how the developmental struggles of adolescence can be easily displaced on to the figure of the vampire. It will present case material to illustrate the meaning of this myth to adolescents.
Conclusions: The myth of the vampire can become a useful therapeutic tool to understand and explore adolescent conflicts so that clinicians can potentially help their adolescent patients overcome resistance and explore issues that are often located outside of their conscious awareness.
Keywords: Myths, Dracula, vampires, psychodynamic, adolescents, fiction, psychological development.
Adolescent Psychiatry
Title:Vampires and Vamps: The Use of a Popular Metaphor in the Psychodynamic Understanding of Adolescent Conflict
Volume: 3 Issue: 3
Author(s): Eugenio M. Rothe
Affiliation:
Keywords: Myths, Dracula, vampires, psychodynamic, adolescents, fiction, psychological development.
Abstract: Background: Myths about vampires have been part of the culture in Western society since ancient times. In recent years, there has been a recrudescence of interest in vampires among teenagers, who have embraced books, movies and television programs on this subject.
Method: This article will explore the history and origins of the vampire myth and through a psychoanalytic and psychodynamic perspective, will analyze the life and work of Bram Stocker, the author of the ever-popular novel Dracula. It will also analyze the many modern variations on the vampire metaphor and explain how the developmental struggles of adolescence can be easily displaced on to the figure of the vampire. It will present case material to illustrate the meaning of this myth to adolescents.
Conclusions: The myth of the vampire can become a useful therapeutic tool to understand and explore adolescent conflicts so that clinicians can potentially help their adolescent patients overcome resistance and explore issues that are often located outside of their conscious awareness.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Rothe M. Eugenio, Vampires and Vamps: The Use of a Popular Metaphor in the Psychodynamic Understanding of Adolescent Conflict, Adolescent Psychiatry 2013; 3 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/2210676611303030007
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/2210676611303030007 |
Print ISSN 2210-6766 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 2210-6774 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
α<sub>2</sub> Adrenoceptor: a Target for Neuropathic Pain Treatment
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Hyper-Homocysteinemia Alters Amyloid Peptide-Clusterin Interactions and Neuroglial Network Morphology and Function in the Caudate After Intrastriatal Injection of Amyloid Peptides
Current Alzheimer Research PET and SPET Molecular Imaging: Focus on Serotonin System
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Intervention of Proliferation and Differentiation of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells in the Neurodegenerative Process of Huntingtons Disease Phenotype
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Kynurenines in the Central Nervous System: Recent Developments
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Development of Computer-AidedCognitive Training Program for Elderly and Its Effectivenessthrougha 6 Months Group Intervention Study
Current Alzheimer Research Can Modulating Inflammatory Response be a Good Strategy to Treat Neuropathic Pain?
Current Pharmaceutical Design N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antagonists and Memantine Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
Current Alzheimer Research Renal and Cardiac Effects of Renal Sympathetic Denervation and Carotid Baroreceptor Stimulation
Current Vascular Pharmacology Volumetric Changes in the Basal Ganglia After Antipsychotic Monotherapy: A Systematic Review
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Role of NPY and Ghrelin in Anorexia Nervosa
Current Pharmaceutical Design C-terminus of Hsp70 Interacting Protein (CHIP) and Neurodegeneration: Lessons from the Bench and Bedside
Current Neuropharmacology A Review on GABA/Glutamate Pathway for Therapeutic Intervention of ASD and ADHD
Current Medicinal Chemistry Mechanisms of Action of Antipsychotic Drugs of Different Classes, Refractoriness to Therapeutic Effects of Classical Neuroleptics, and Individual Variation in Sensitivity to their Actions: PART II
Current Neuropharmacology Interactions Between Nanosized Materials and the Brain
Current Medicinal Chemistry Recent Progress in the Development of Subtype Selective Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders Assessing Schizophrenia-relevant Cognitive and Social Deficits in Mice: A Selection of Mouse Behavioral Tasks and Potential Therapeutic Compounds
Current Pharmaceutical Design Neuritin, A Neurotrophic Factor in Nervous System Physiology
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Role of Natural Products in the Discovery of New Drug Candidates for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders I: Parkinsons Disease
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Food Addiction Spectrum: A Theoretical Model from Normality to Eating and Overeating Disorders
Current Medicinal Chemistry