PSYCHOANALYTIC ANALYSIS OF MARILYN MONROE
This research paper presents a psychoanalytic analysis of Marilyn Monroe. Psychosocial development includes two latter stages of Erikson's theory. Omnibus analysis discusses personality factors which include the following: abilities, talents, and temperament, family members and cultural tradition, sexual behavior, cognitive style, affect and impulses, motives, attitudes and impulses, and relationships to principle figures.
Erikson's later stages of psychosocial development included "intimacy versus isolation" for the young adult, and "generativity versus self-absorption" for the middle adult. Marilyn Monroe failed to encounter true intimacy and she became isolated. The youth who is not sure of her identity does not achieve interpersonal intimacy and is thrown into acts of intimacy that are promiscuous and are without true fusion. Marilyn was unsure of who she was, actress was her only identity. She maintained her isolation through a series of idealized and exhibitionistic relationships (Erikson, 1968, pp. 135-137; & Chessick, 1983, pp. 161-170).
Marilyn also failed to develop generativity; she was and remained self-absorbed. Man needs to be cared for and to be needed. Marilyn remained focused on unmet needs for care. She also failed at having children which reduced her chances of applying the generativity drive to her offspring. Generativity also includes creativity and productivity, however, Marilyn's abilities remained focused on self-tendencies. When there is a failure to develop generativity, this leads to an expansion of ego-interests and a libidinal investment; regression to an obsessive need for pseudointimacy takes place with a sense of boredom, stagnation, and impoverishment. Marilyn was described as appearing bored and she demonstrated continual libidinal drive and pseudointimate relationships (Erikson, 1968, pp. 135-137; & Chessick, 1983, pp. 161-170).
M...