By: Terttu Mäkinen, PhD, psychoanalytical psychotherapist, clinical neuropsychologist
Therapeia Society, Finland
Abstract:
This paper explores parenthood through a psychoanalytic lens, focusing on the interplay of biological, societal, and symbolic dimensions. Parenthood is shaped by cultural, historical, and social contexts, requiring mothers and fathers to adapt to evolving demands and crises. The discussion examines the roles of evolutionary transformation, gender dynamics, and societal influences in shaping parental identities. Special attention is given to the challenges of parenthood in conflict zones, where the absence of safety and family support leaves children vulnerable. Drawing on literary and psychoanalytic insights, including the works of Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath, the text highlights the impacts of trauma, loss, and unsymbolized relationships on individuals and societies. It advocates for robust societal and therapeutic structures that support parents and children, emphasizing the role of early relationships in fostering resilience. The study underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understand parenthood’s complexities in modern and historical contexts.
To cite as: Mäkinen, T., 2025, “In a Room of One’s Own: A Psychoanalytical Perspective on Parenthood, the Womb, and the (Un) Symbolic in the War-Torn Nations,” PsyArt 29.1, pp. 87-103.