Interpretation of Illness - Softcover

9780911198881: Interpretation of Illness
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Georg Groddeck (1866-1934), who was trained as a physician but became famous for his success as a healer, introduced a radical concept in The Book of It: that we virtually always cause our own illness and injury; therefore, we can cure and avoid both. Groddeck utilized the technique of psychoanalysis – which had just been invented by Freud – to communicate with the source of the illness, which he called the “the it” (or the map of the psyche). He believed the “it” had the power to cure illness as well as cause it. Perhaps science is catching up with Groddeck’s notion, for modern currents in medicine suggest there is a linkage between the way we live, the way we think, and illness. Readings in behavioral medicine indicate that we do have control over our immune system; and empirical studies of behavior show a strong relationship between stress and illness. In The Interpretation of Illness, Homer goes beyond Groddeck's initial insight to emphasize that illness is a communication to others, especially a call for sympathy. No one consciously likes to be sick or hurt; but we all, consciously or unconsciously, tell others about our ills, expecting them to extend sympathy. Homer argues that if we change this pattern of communication – either by learning to forego sympathy or by gaining it in less destructive ways – we can prevent illness or alleviate existing symptoms. The change in communication involves expressing ourselves knowingly and deliberately to others. Interpretation is a series of letters from Homer, writing under the persona Augie, to a friend. Appropriately enough, this style is similar to the format used by Groddeck in The Book of the It.


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About the Author:
Frederic D. Homer, formerly an assistant professor of political science at Purdue University, is assistant professor of political science and director of the Administration of Justice Program at the University of Wyoming.
Review:

“Although interpretive methods have been widely discussed in the social and psychological sciences over the past decade, I know of no other work that puts them into operation directly on the personal experience of life. This work combines sophistication and insight, generating a new method for grasping the symbolism of the psyche, presented effectively and imaginatively . . . . [It] has appeal across a wide range of disciplines from psychology to philosophy to literate theory.”


(Michael Weinstein)

“This book should certainly provoke discussion in many quarters. Considering the impact of existentialism . . . it will be fascinating to see what effect this book will have on the medical psychiatric, and psychological community.”


(Joanne Greenburg)

“[Homer] insightfully addresses the many facets of disease complexes. His metamorphical view that illness can be interpreted will bode well with those of us who approach illness from a biopsychosocial context.”


(B. Michael Denny)

“Homer’s conclusion is innovative, startling, and controversial. He argues that the self relates existentially to the world and a way to accomplish social or interpersonal purposes.”

The Social Science Journal

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherPurdue University Press
  • Publication date2004
  • ISBN 10 0911198881
  • ISBN 13 9780911198881
  • BindingPaperback
  • Edition number1
  • Number of pages225

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Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Georg Groddeck (1866-1934), who was trained as a physicianbut became famous for his success as a healer, introduced a radical concept inThe Book of It: that we virtually always cause our own illness and injury;therefore, we can cure and avoid both. Groddeck utilized the technique of psychoanalysis which hadjust been invented by Freud to communicate with the source of the illness,which he called the "the it" (or the map of the psyche). He believed the "it"had the power to cure illness as well as cause it. Perhaps science is catching up with Groddeck's notion, formodern currents in medicine suggest there is a linkage between the way we live,the way we think, and illness. Readings in behavioral medicine indicate that wedo have control over our immune system; and empirical studies of behavior showa strong relationship between stress and illness. In TheInterpretation of Illness, Homer goes beyond Groddeck's initial insight toemphasize that illness is a communication to others, especially a call forsympathy. No one consciously likes to be sick or hurt; but we all, consciouslyor unconsciously, tell others about our ills, expecting them to extendsympathy. Homer argues that if we change this pattern of communication eitherby learning to forego sympathy or by gaining it in less destructive ways we canprevent illness or alleviate existing symptoms. The change in communicationinvolves expressing ourselves knowingly and deliberately to others. Interpretationis a series of letters from Homer, writing under the persona Augie, to afriend. Appropriately enough, this style is similar to the format used byGroddeck in The Book of the It. Georg Groddeck (1866-1934), who was trained as a physician but became famous for his success as a healer, introduced a radical concept in that we virtually always cause our own illness and injury; therefore, we can cure and avoid both. He utilized the technique of psychoanalysis to communicate with the source of the illness. In The Interpretation of Illness, Homer goes beyond Groddeck's initial insight to emphasize that illness is a communication to others, especially a call for sympathy. No one consciously likes to be sick or hurt; but we all, consciously or unconsciously, tell others about our ills, expecting them to extend sympathy. Interpretation is a series of letters from Homer, writing under the persona "Augie," to a friend. Appropriately enough, this style is similar to the format used by Groddeck in The Book of the It. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780911198881

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Book Description Condition: New. &Uumlber den AutorFrederic D. Homer, formerly an assistant professor of political science at Purdue University, is assistant professor of political science and director of the Administration of Justice Program at the University of Wyomi. Seller Inventory # 595138704

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