NORMAL NEUROSIS: An Analysis of the Adjusted American

by Gail J. & Snell Putney ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 27, 1964

An application of psychological insights to the American persona gives ex-poles and explanation of so-called ""normal"" neurotic behavior incorporated in our society. The authors expose the mechanism of projection as the psychological process that attributes to someone else one's own inner anxieties, ""self-hatred"", jealousy, desire, etc. This corrupts interpersonal relationships at every level--between mother and child, husband and wife, and associates and creates the bigot, martyr, ""wolf"", ""black sheep"", and other kinds of compulsives. Though there is inevitably oversimplification here in so comprehensive a survey of types, and there is too little about how to achieve autonomy by affecting changes in attitudes and habits -- the major weakness of the book--the conscientious reader will without difficulty recognize himself, family, or friends in the many generalized though specific case histories, and perhaps be motivated to go on to more constructive reading or action.

Pub Date: May 27, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION