Research Information System
AYNA Klinik Psikoloji Dergisi, vol.9, no.3, pp.467-488, 2022 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Masochism is classified under the heading of sexual perversions in widely used diagnosis and
classification systems such as DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and
ICD (International Classification of Diseases). In psychoanalytic literature, on the other hand,
masochism is described more comprehensively with personality traits that work against
themselves. It is conceptualized as a personality organization manifested through symptoms such
as creating obstacles to oneself, triggering rejecting and aggressive behaviors in others, making
unfortunate decisions, not being able to enjoy oneself, wasting efforts, suffering, having intense
feelings of guilt, punishing oneself, and preparing the ground for failure. Although it is a common
mental state encountered in psychotherapy settings, research on masochism is considerably
limited when compared to other character organizations. Especially when the studies published
in Turkey are reviewed, it is striking that there is almost no comprehensive compilation study or
research on masochism. The aim of this article was to discuss the main symptoms, clinical
presentation, and developmental basis of masochism from a psychoanalytic perspective. First of
all, a descriptive review of the characteristics of masochism was provided, then Freud's death drive
and repetition compulsion concepts and Fairbairn’s moral defense and split mechanisms were
used to explaining the etiology of masochisms were used to explain the etiology of masochism.
Finally, the psychotherapy process carried out with the case of Mr. A, who exhibited personality
patterns that work against him, was formulated using the theoretical approaches of Freud and
Fairbairn.