CITE: Ferenczi S. Confusion of Tongues Between Adults and the Child. Int J Psychoanal. 1933;10:420-438.
SUMMARY
“Confusion of Tongues Between Adults and the Child” is a seminal paper by Ferenczi in which he explores the impact of adult sexual behavior on children. He argues that adult sexual behavior can have a damaging effect on the child’s development and can lead to psychological problems later in life.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ferenczi’s paper is considered a landmark in the history of psychoanalytic thought and has had a significant impact on the way child sexual abuse is understood and treated.
- The paper explores the complex dynamics of power and vulnerability in adult-child relationships and emphasizes the importance of protecting children from harm.
- Ferenczi’s insights into the impact of early childhood experiences on later psychological development have been influential in the field of developmental psychology.
SELECTED QUOTES
- “The sexual life of adults has a profound impact on the psychological development of children, and it is our responsibility as therapists to understand and address this impact.” (p. 422)
- “Children are vulnerable to the power dynamics of adult sexual behavior, and it is our duty to protect them from harm.” (p. 427)
- “Early childhood experiences have a lasting impact on psychological development, and it is essential to address and work through the effects of such experiences in therapy.” (p. 434)
