Malignant Altruism
A presentation by Dr Beth Foley
Healthy and benign altruism is the ability to experience sustained and relatively conflict-free pleasure from contributing to the welfare of others. Malignant altruism involves the compulsion to prioritise other’s needs. This form of helping tends to be reinforced by others and society. A long term pattern of such selfsacrifice leads to compassion fatigue, self-estrangement and depression. In clinical practice, many individuals present with a pattern of malignant altruism including in those presenting with relationship issues and a loss of meaning and connection with their deeper selves. Malignant altruism has been linked to an inability to mourn a lack of attunement of the caregiver in early life and describes the persona that develops in defense of this loss. In this case-based presentation, I will discuss the unique analytic work required for individuals who have developed malignant altruism as a persona. The process of moving malignant altruism to benign altruism will involve a reconnection with the Self, learning how to tolerate vulnerability, conscious grieving and the development of a new way of being with others. For those with extreme malignant altruism, this work will feel catastrophic and a strong analytic container, that can eventually be introjected, will be essential for success. A weakening of the malignant attachment and a strengthening of the individual’s ability to be contained, will serve to loosen the pathological self-care system and facilitate an interpersonal and intrapsychic connection which will enable the focus on repair.
About the Presenter
Dr Beth Foley has practiced as a clinical psychologist for over 20 years. Her PhD researched the therapeutic effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies in psychiatric and oncology settings and resulted in a number of academic papers. She has lectured at several universities on health psychology, psychoanalysis and existential issues over many years. Beth completed analytical training with the CG Jung Institute of ANZSJA in 2020 and is in private practice as a Jungian Analyst in Coffs Harbour.