Title
Prisoners Of Childhood: The Drama of the Gifted Child and the Search for the True Self,Used
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The drama of the giftedi.e., sensitive, alertchild consists of his recognition at a very early age of his parents' needs and of his adaptation to those needs. In the process, he learns to repress rather than to acknowledge his own intense feelings because they are unacceptable to his parents. Although it will not always be possible to avoid these ugly feelings (anger, indignation, despair, jealousy, fear) in the future, they will split off, and the most vital part of the true self (a key phrase in Alice Miller's works) will not be integrated into the personality. This leads to emotional insecurity and loss of self, which are revealed in depression or concealed behind a facade of grandiosity.Alice Miller defines the ideal state of genuine vitality, of free access to the true self and to authentic individual feelings that have their roots in childhood, as healthy narcissism. Narcissistic disturbances, on the other hand, represent for her solitary confinement of the true self within the prison of the false self. This is regarded less as an illness than as a tragedy.The examples Alice Miller presents make us aware of the child's unarticulated suffering and of the tragedy of parents who are unavailable to their childrenthe same parents who, when they were children, were available to fill their parents' needs. In her psychoanalytical work, Dr. Miller found that her patients' ability to experience authentic feelings, especially feelings of sadness, had been for the most part destroyed; it was her task to help her patients try to regain that longlost capacity for genuine feelings that is the source of natural vitality. Many people who have read her books have discovered within themselves for the first time in their lives the little child they once were. This may explain the unusually strong and deep reactions Alice Miller's books have evoked in so many readers from different countries. The Drama of the Gifted Child and the Search for the True Self is the original title of the book, which was published in Germany.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Prisoners of Childhood'? A: 'Prisoners of Childhood' explores the emotional struggles of gifted children, particularly how they adapt to their parents' needs at the expense of their own feelings, leading to issues of emotional insecurity and loss of self.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The book is authored by Alice Miller, a renowned psychologist known for her insights into childhood trauma and emotional development.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: 'Prisoners of Childhood: The Drama of the Gifted Child and the Search for the True Self' was published on July 4, 1996.
- Q: What kind of readers might benefit from this book? A: Readers interested in psychology, particularly those exploring their childhood experiences or seeking to understand narcissism and emotional well-being, may find this book particularly valuable.
- Q: Is this book available in different formats? A: This edition is available in hardcover format, which is ideal for collectors or those who prefer physical books.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: 'Prisoners of Childhood' has a total of 118 pages, providing a concise yet impactful exploration of its themes.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is listed as 'New', ensuring that readers receive it in pristine condition.
- Q: Does the book contain any features or special content? A: There are no specific features or additional content mentioned for this edition; it focuses on the core text authored by Alice Miller.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: 'Prisoners of Childhood' is categorized under 'Mental Health', reflecting its focus on psychological themes and emotional development.
- Q: What is the significance of 'healthy narcissism' as mentioned in the book? A: Alice Miller describes 'healthy narcissism' as the ideal state where individuals have free access to their true self and genuine feelings, contrasting it with the detrimental effects of narcissistic disturbances.