Amara Kamble
Where Emotions Flow
September 4, 2024
Abstract
Childhood and adolescence is a time of growth and development, one of the most crucial developmental stages in our lives. The role of parental figures during this time is crucial, and the absence of them could lead to a variety of psychological issues alongside the development of coping mechanisms, one of which is fantasy bonding. Fantasy bonding is a coping mechanism in which the adolescent creates an idealized version of the absent parent in their mind and this serves as a way to combat feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and sadness. In this research paper, We will take a look at how fantasy bonding as a coping mechanism and its role in the growth and development of the adolescent. By using and analyzing existing literature I've explored both the adaptive and maladaptive uses of fantasy bonding, and its characteristics as a coping mechanism as a whole.
Keywords: Adolescence, Fantasy Bonding, Idealization, Parental Absence, Coping Mechanisms, Emotional Development, Mental Health
Introduction
The absence of a parental figure, whether it be due to divorce, separation, employment, or incarceration can significantly disrupt and negatively impact the growth and development of an adolescent. During the adolescent phase of growth, the guidance and support of a parent is paramount, at this time in a child's life they are going through vital stages of forming self identity and creating social relationships (Erikson, 1968). If a parent is not present in the child's life at this time, they may turn to various coping mechanisms like fantasy bonding to shield themselves from the harsh reality of not having adequate support. Fantasy bonding involves creating an idealized version of the absent parent, often imagining them as the contrary of the reality of their absence, this could include but is not limited to creating a more loving, suturing, and supportive version of the absent parent (Firestone, 1990). In this paper we will explore the different features of fantasy bonding and how it can affect the overall growth and development of the child.
Fantasy Bonding as a Coping Mechanism
The use of fantasy bonding as a coping mechanism is to defend and shield the adolescents brain from the pain of their parents absence, it's a psychological defense mechanism. By practicing fantasy bonding and idealizing the parent, the child can create a sense of bonding and create an attachment to the parent whilst also reducing feelings of disconnect and abandonment (Firestone, 1990). Not only does it act as a guard from reality, but it also provides a sense of emotional security, providing the child with a semblance of the relationship they should have with the absent parent. According to research, fantasy bonding can temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety and loneliness. (Bowlby, 1988).
Emotional Impact of Fantasy Bonding
Fantasy bonding can act as a temporary relief for the pain felt by the adolescent, but it has very real effects in the long-term, the implications it has for the all around growth and development of the adolescent are not all positive. Adolescents who regularly engage in fantasy bonding may experience a harder time distinguishing between reality and fantasy, they may also experience prolonged grief as their real life does not match up with the idealized version they have created (Lieberman, P. (2020)). This also may affect their ability to form relationships and emotionally sustain them. Research shows that children who regularly engage in fantasy bonding are more inclined to develop anxiety, depression and lifestyle disorders (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007).
Social and Developmental Consequences
Fantasy bonding can also have drastic impacts on social development as children may withdraw from friends and family to sustain their fantasy (Kerns, 2008), this could prevent them from developing social skills that are necessary to form real, genuine relationships later on in life. This may lead to unresolved issues in adulthood as these adolescents may grow attached to their imaginary bonds and delay the acceptance of the absence of their parents in their life (Kobak & Madsen, 2008).
Adaptive and Maladaptive Aspects of Fantasy Bonding
Fantasy bonding doesn't necessarily have to be maladaptive,in some cases, it acts like a buffer between the adolescent and the trauma of not having a parent be present in your life, it allows them to perform daily functions and can provide emotional stability (Johnson & Greenberg, 1985). The issue starts when fantasy bonding turns into the primary coping mechanism used by the child, it can impede on social and emotional development. Understanding the various factors that may contribute to the development of this coping mechanism is vital. Some factors may include the nature of the relationship before the absence and the presence of other supportive relationships in the adolescents life. (Siegel, 1999).
Implications for Mental Health Interventions
Therapists and mental health workers who work with adolescents facing parental absence should be aware of the possibility that they may use fantasy bondinding as a coping mechanism. Treatments and interventions should focus on helping the child distinguish between reality and fantasy, aid them in processing grief, and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms. (Shapiro, 2008).Therapeutic treatments that facilitate emotional and internal growth are crucial for combating the negative effects of this issue.
Conclusion
Fantasy bonding is a very complex tool for coping and can have both positive and negative effects. It may provide temporary relief but its long term impacts can be very impactful. By better understanding this coping mechanism in context of this situation, mental health workers can work towards helping these adolescents better understand how to regulate such emotions and adopt healthier coping strategies while also fostering their social and emotional growth.
References
Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. Basic Books. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/securebase00john/page/n3/mode/2up. Accessed September 2, 2024.
Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/identityyouthcri00erik. Accessed September 2, 2024.
Firestone, R. (1990). The fantasy bond: Structure of psychological defenses. Glendon Association. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/fantasybondstruc0000fire. Accessed September 2, 2024.
Johnson, S. M., & Greenberg, L. S. (1985). The differential effects of experiential and problem-solving interventions in resolving marital conflict. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53(2), 175-184. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0022-006X.53.2.175. Accessed September 2, 2024.
Kerns, K. A. (2008). Attachment in middle childhood. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications (2nd ed., pp. 366-382). The Guilford Press. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/attachmentinmidd0000unse_r3t1. Accessed September 2, 2024.
Kobak, R., & Madsen, S. (2008). Disruptions in attachment bonds: Implications for theory, research, and clinical intervention. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications(2nd ed., pp. 23-47). The Guilford Press. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jar. Accessed September 2, 2024.
Lieberman, P. (2020). Imaginary ties: The development of fantasy bonding in adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Research, 35(5), 595-612. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0743558420932211. Accessed September 2, 2024.
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