A volume in the series, Ideas in Psychoanalysis (Series Editor, Ivan Ward). This series explains psychoanalytic concepts, their relevance to everyday life, and their ability to illuminate the nature of human society and culture. Published by Icon Books Kahr explores the psychology and psychopathology of exhibitionism, both in its clinical and cultural manifestations. Kahr describes the personality profile of the traditional male genital exhibitionist, then explores the contributions of psychoanalysis to the understanding and treatment of exhibitionism as a clinical phenomenon, surveying Freudian and post-Freudian writings on its causes as rooted in early childhood. The book includes a survey of the history of exhibitionism, as well as an analysis of female exhibitionism, and concludes by looking at the sublimation of exhibitionism in contemporary culture – for example, in the phenomenon of 'reality TV'. It discusses the differences between healthy exhibitionism and its more pathological manifestations, and looks also at 'inhibitionism', the dangerous counterpart wherein people fearfully inhibit their own creativity. Brett Kahr is Senior Lecturer in Psychotherapy, and Winnicott Clinic Senior Research Fellow, at Regent's College in London. He is the author of D.W. Winnicott: A Biographical Portrait, which won the Gradiva Award for Biography, and works extensively as a consultant to many television and film companies. from the publisher's website |