48
Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego
take the word 'panic' in the sense of collective dread, we can establish a far-reaching analogy. Dread in an individual is provoked either by the I greatness of a danger or by the cessation of emotional ties (libidinal cathexes[1] [Libidobesetzungen]); the latter is the case of neurotic dread.[2] In just the same way panic arises either owing to an increase of the common danger or owing to the disappearance of the emotional ties which hold the group together; and the latter case is analogous to that of neurotic dread.[3]
- ↑ ['Cathexis', from the Greek 'κατέχω', 'I occupy'. The German word ‘Besetzung’ has become of fundamental importance in the exposition of psycho-analytical theory. Any attempt at a short definition or description is likely to be misleading, but speaking very loosely, we may say that 'cathexis' is used on the analogy of an electric charge, and that it means the concentration or accumulation of mental energy in some particular channel. Thus, when we speak of the existence in someone of a libidinal cathexis of an object, or, more shortly, of an object-cathexis, we mean that his libidinal energy is directed towards, or rather infused into, the idea (Vorstellung) of some object in the outer world. Readers who desire to obtain a more precise knowledge of the term are referred to the discussions in 'Zur Einführung des Narzissmus' and the essays on metapsychology in Kleine Schriften zur Neurosenlehre, Vierte Folge.—Translator.
- ↑ See Vorlesungen zur Einführung in die Psychoanalyse. XXV, 3. Auflage, 1920. [Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis. Lecture XXV. George Allen and Unwin, 1922.]
- ↑ Compare Bela v. Felszeghy's interesting though somewhat fantastic paper 'Panik und Pankomplex'. Imago, 1920, Bd. VI.
