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Volume 24, Issue 148 (6-2025)
Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(148): 21-37 |
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mashrouti bonab P, Bakhshipour Rodsari A, Khanjani Z, Izadi-Jeyran A. (2025). Identifying shared unconscious fantasies and defenses effective in marital fit and conflict: a phenomenological case study. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(148), 21-37.
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2775-en.html
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2775-en.html
, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Tabriz University, Iran , parissamashruti66@gmail.com
Abstract: (350 Views)
Background: Psychoanalytic theories suggest that shared unconscious fantasies and defenses are the foundational elements of both marital fit and conflict. Despite this, research in this area is limited. By uncovering these unconscious processes, couples therapists can empower couples to address the root causes of their relationship difficulties and foster healthier connections.
Aims: The study sought to explore shared unconscious fantasies and defenses that contribute to both marital fit and conflict through a phenomenological approach.
Methods: This qualitative study employed an interpretive phenomenological approach. The study population consisted of all couples experiencing marital conflict who had referred to counseling and psychology centers in Tabriz during the year 1403. A purposive sampling method was used to select one couple for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews based on the principle of saturation. The data were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results: The couple’s fantasies were categorized into five specific types: fear and avoidance, power and control, validation and acceptance, deprivation and frustration, and self-blame and devaluation versus blaming and devaluing the partner. The couple’s defenses were identified as three types of projective identification: Complementary, Reciprocal, and Concordant. Furthermore, avoidance of intimacy was recognized as the most significant defense employed by the couple, perpetuating their ongoing conflict.
Conclusion: The findings revealed that the couple's shared unconscious fantasies and defenses contributed to both unconscious fit and a vicious cycle of conflicts in their relationship.These findings can provide valuable insights into the complexities of couple relationships and enrich couple therapy.
Aims: The study sought to explore shared unconscious fantasies and defenses that contribute to both marital fit and conflict through a phenomenological approach.
Methods: This qualitative study employed an interpretive phenomenological approach. The study population consisted of all couples experiencing marital conflict who had referred to counseling and psychology centers in Tabriz during the year 1403. A purposive sampling method was used to select one couple for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews based on the principle of saturation. The data were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results: The couple’s fantasies were categorized into five specific types: fear and avoidance, power and control, validation and acceptance, deprivation and frustration, and self-blame and devaluation versus blaming and devaluing the partner. The couple’s defenses were identified as three types of projective identification: Complementary, Reciprocal, and Concordant. Furthermore, avoidance of intimacy was recognized as the most significant defense employed by the couple, perpetuating their ongoing conflict.
Conclusion: The findings revealed that the couple's shared unconscious fantasies and defenses contributed to both unconscious fit and a vicious cycle of conflicts in their relationship.These findings can provide valuable insights into the complexities of couple relationships and enrich couple therapy.
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This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)