Psychodynamic Factors in the Aetiology of Compensation Neurosis

Abstract

These three cases illustrate the importance of psychodynamic factors in the genesis of some cases of compensation neurosis, with the neurosis being seen as the expression of current and past rejections. These claimants had all experienced major early loss which they had denied; their rigid coping mechanisms focused upon hard work, reliability and providing, which enabled them to belong and feel valued. They decompensated when inability to work compromised these defences.