ABSTRACT
Relationship with authority is an important psychosocial phenomenon that affects both the individual and groups of people, as well as the whole society. The psychological issues linked to the experience of authority are of particular interest in the countries that have liberated themselves from totalitarian regimes. Studies carried out in different countries have shown that a disturbed relationship with authority is a significant theme for deeper understanding of the consequences of authoritarian regimes. The author presents the results of a research on the complexity of the relationship with authority and offers a deeper understanding of the manifestations of the authority complex and the possibilities of healing. The research was conducted at the Vilnius University by a group of researchers consisting of clinical psychologists, those who hold doctor’s degree or are in doctoral studies in the Department of Psychology. Semi structural interview, a questionnaire to characterize types of relationships with authority, and story-telling with special focus on the dynamics of the relationships with authority in psychotherapy were the main methods of this research. The results showed that there are several types of authority: diffuse, destructive, weak and distant, which may result in a defensive attitude towards authority and may influence the constellation of authority complex in the psyche of individual. Psychotherapy is helpful in confronting the authority complex and moving from the defensive attitude towards recognition of the need to have a relationship with authority; moving from dependence on authority towards moments of rebellion; withdrawing projections onto outer figures and developing a sense of inner authority; moving from helplessness towards a sense of authorship. These were identified as important themes in psychotherapy of authority complex.]
