The children of Ganymede: An investigation into the symbolic language of gay men through the use of sandplay therapy.

摘要

This study responds to the absence of psychological knowledge regarding the symbolic language (themes, symbols and archetypes) of gay men by exploring the sandplay therapy processes of five gay men. The sandplay modality was used because it offers the researcher direct access to the symbolic expressions of the client, without any verbal interpretation or censoring.; Interpretation of the five sandplay cases was accomplished through a process similar to Jungian dream analysis. One of these cases is presented in entirety, along with color plates of the sandplay constructions, while the other four are presented in an abridged format. A comparative analysis was then conducted, influenced by Jungian, phenomenological and heuristic research orientations, with conclusions expressed in two forms: within the framework of the five basic developmental phases of the sandplay therapy process; and as a proposed developmental model for gay men.; The results of this study indicated that there are a number of significant themes, symbols and archetypal elements which are consistently present in the symbolic expressions of gay men. Primary among these are: the presence of the essential polarity of masculine/feminine as an issue of concern, even in preverbal states; and the Double archetype (proposed by Mitch Walker), or the attraction of like to like which forms the core of the gay relationship. The proposed developmental model builds up on these two core symbolic elements in the form of the following stages: (1) Birth and Infancy. The Essential Polarity and The Double; (2) Differentiation. Polarity, Transcendence and Individuation; (3) The Orientation to the Collective. Arcadia and Isolation; (4) Puberty. Sexual Phallos, Pretense and Life Within the Closet; (5) Adulthood. Repression, Coming Out and Individuation.; The richness of the conclusions drawn from this initial investigation into the symbolic language of gay men invites further research, and suggests that complementary research into the symbolic language of lesbians is essential to the acquisition of a more whole understanding of the place of the basic polarity of masculine/feminine in the human psyche.