ABSTRACT
The syntax of perverse thought reflects an attitude toward reality. In this chapter, the author argues that people who are not psychotic but who can’t successfully repress must resort to defensive maneuvers to avoid potentially threatening, preconsciously available thoughts. In his studies on (male) perversions, Freud referred to them as the negative of neurosis – that is, whereas in neurosis a “dangerous” wish threatening to come to conscious awareness was disguised, distorted, or inhibited, in perversion the wish that could not be repressed was left intact, and instead the dangerous consequences were disavowed or ignored. The author tries to demonstrate how this attitude toward consequences in reality is not restricted to the perversions. He calls it a perverse attitude toward reality. Clinical examples are presented to show how this group of people tend to get into trouble, and what clinical implications may be drawn from the syntax of their thought.
