J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.
2018 Feb;57(1):52-80. 10.4306/jknpa.2018.57.1.52.
Hermann Hesse's Depression, Pietism, and Psychoanalysis
- Affiliations
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- 1Hyoja Geriatric Hospital, Yongin, Korea. skmin518@yuhs.ac
- KMID: 2405532
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2018.57.1.52
Abstract
- Hermann Hesse's personal life (1877-1962) is characterized by traumatization caused by suppressive pietistic discipline of his parents during his youth, and depression in his middle age accompanied by psychoanalysis treatment. At the age of 15, he was admitted to mental institutions due to defiant behavior. With this traumatic experience, his psychosexual development seemed inhibited during his adolescence. At age 39, depression developed precipitated by the death of his father. Hesse had received Jungian psychoanalysis from Dr. Lang and Dr. Jung over a 10-year period. However, psychoanalysis could not prevent the recurrence of depression. His appreciation of psychoanalysis became critical. Meanwhile, Hesse announced that he had been a Protestant Christian. In his 50s, he began to create new novels which, beyond polarity based on Jungian psychoanalysis, described the journey toward a greater harmonious and spiritual oneness. Pietism was at one time the reason of his pain, but became life-long support for Hesse's spiritual maturity. He was diagnosed with type II bipolar disorder. The main dynamic factors are thought to be ambivalence, feelings of guilt regarding his aggression toward his parents, and sexual conflict. His coping mechanisms seemed to include pietistic self-control, avoidance, scholarship and creation of literature. By writing the autobiographical Bildungsromans, Hesse tried not only to master his own personal problems but to enlighten readers. However, it seemed that he could not overcome the feelings of guilt associated with leaving his father.
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