Psychodynamics of boredom

The phenomenon of boredom is examined as ego state and as reflection of the relationship within the analytic situation. In psychoanalytical literature boredom is predominantly viewed as defence against libidinal and aggressiv e wishes and as characterological defence against serious malignant depress ion and states close to psychosis; here the question is extended to the con sideration under what psychological conditions boredom may be tolerated and may even constitute a transitional phase towards the development of creati ve and regenerative potential. The dialectics of repression and creative eg o-achievement form the framework for the discussion of the clinical materia l. Three casework sequences illustrate vastly differing aspects of boredom both in its intrinsic qualities and its degree in the analytic relationship . The affects and relationship qualities which are repressed in boredom - i .e. boredom as transference resistance - are considered: boredom as "secred tamer of the drives" serves the repression of incestuous/oedipal drives; i t serves as a protection against intolerable emptiness and the depressive a ffects relating to posttraumatic memories; and, finally. as crippling "dead ly" boredom it may function as transference resistance whereby the patient attempts to protect the analytic relationship from destructive usurpation a nd sadistic wishes. The paper concludes with some philosophical and literar y passages (Oblomov) which illustrate interesting cultural and historical f acets of the subject.