Exploration of the Doctor-Patient Relationship through Projective Techniques

Abstract

Summary Study of the doctor-patient and other interpersonal relationship situations through projective techniques appears to be a useful and productive direct method for examining the psychodynamics of the patients' attitudes and patterns of participation in important life relationships. Application of such techniques in a comparative study of patients with hypertension and peptic ulcer has disclosed sharp differences between them as well as many similarities between them and appropriate control groups. The main differences between the two groups of patients (hypertension and peptic ulcer) were found in respect to the real or fantasied origin of conflict in dependent relationships (as typified by the doctor-patient relationship) and the defensive mechanisms utilized in forming and maintaining object relationships, particularly in regard to manners of dealing with hostile impulses in dependency situations.