Psychology of Women
Vol. II. Motherhood. :Author: Helen Deutsch, M.D. William Heinemann Ltd. London. 25s.
This book is the logical successor of Vol I, which dealt with the psychology bf girlhood; although it is better read in conjunction with the previous volume, it is a separate and self-contained work of considerable value. Like the previous book, it deals mainly with the psychology of normality, though many instances of abnormal reaction are also “described by way of illustration.
Dr Deutsch’s views are based throughout on psychoanalytical technique and are fundamentally of the Freudian school. Where, however, the author has formed her own opinions at variance with established views, she does not hesitate to describe them, with full arguments as to their validity. In general she supports her opinions convincingly, and it is clear that they are based on a very extensive experience and careful thought. Nor is her experience restricted to clinical work, for she makes full use of sociological, literary and anthropological approaches. The danger that such an approach may lead to pseudo-philosophical rather than to logical scientific thinking is not entirely avoided in this book, but the results undoubtedly gain by this integration into the wide social framework.
The psychological aspects of motherhood in its widest possible sense are considered in detail, from the period of conception through the various phases of pregnancy and labour to a final consideration of the mother-child relationship. Such a method results in some repetition, but this failing is not so marked as in the author’s previous volume. There are additional?and valuable? chapters on the psychological aspects of adoption, illegitimacy and the stepmother relationship. It is unfortunate that the menopause is dealt with only relatively superficially in a final chapter. The essential importance of this difficult period is stressed, but a more detailed approach would have been valuable.
Dr Deutsch’s views on sterility, and abortion are especially interesting; without minimising the importance of physical and endocrine factors, they indicate the immense importance of the psychological side to the clinical and sociological aspects of these problems. These, sections in particular could be read with great advantage by many obstetricians. It is doubtful if the author’s views on the misuse of anaesthesia in childbirth will meet with general approval, but her opinions are stimulating and clearly must be given consideration.
For British readers it is perhaps unfortunate that most of the author’s clinical and literary material is drawn from American and Central European sources. Although the fundamental psychological pattern is the same, in a book which deals with wide sociological problems some translation to the British cultural level and way of living is necessary before the results can be fully assessed or accepted. It would, for example, be of value to adapt Dr Deutsch’s views to the more widespread practice of domiciliary midwifery which occurs in this country. The author’s style is not always very lucid and this is not an easy book to read; it is essentially a book for those with a considerable ” background ” of psychopathology. Nevertheless it is a valuable contribution to the psychological understanding of this problem. Its value is that of a thesis which stimulates thought, rather than as a reference book. It is to be hoped that the additional volumes on abnormal psychological reactions, promised in the preface, will not be long delayed.
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