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THE FATHER AND THE PATERNAL FUNCTION IN THE PSYCHOANALYTICAL PROCESS: THEORETICAL AND CLINICAL ISSUES*

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Abstract

The author addresses the essential aspects regarding the definition of the paternal function in metapsychological terms: how it forms and develops in the mental world, which functions it serves, or could come to serve, in the dynamic of mental functioning, and lastly, the consequent clinical implications, in particular the formation and development of symbolic capacity. In the second part, using two clinical vignettes and a clinical case, the author attempts to discuss its link to the theme of masculinity, suggesting a brief reflection on the challenges presented to the specificities of the analytical clinic.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This paper was translated from Portuguese by Tom Cordy.

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  1. rua Julieta Ferrão 12, piso 9, sala 906, 1600 131, Lisbon, Portugal

    Rui Aragão Oliveira

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  1. Rui Aragão Oliveira
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Correspondence to Rui Aragão Oliveira.

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Rui Aragão Oliveira, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and Training and Supervising Analyst, Portuguese Psychoanalytical Society. Past President, Portuguese Psychoanalytical Society. Dr. Aragão Oliveira works full time in private practice in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Aragão Oliveira, R. THE FATHER AND THE PATERNAL FUNCTION IN THE PSYCHOANALYTICAL PROCESS: THEORETICAL AND CLINICAL ISSUES*. Am J Psychoanal 80, 309–330 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1057/s11231-020-09262-y

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