Talk:Phaeton complex

Was 'the theory' devised by Iremonger?

The condition, to my knowledge, was first described by Choisy in the journal Psyche. [Psyche Rev Int Sci Homme Psychanal . 1950 Oct;5(48):715-31.] Her conception was later developed by Iremonger in her book on British Prime Ministers 'The Fiery Chariot'. It was not, therefore, "devised" by Iremonger but later developed by her on the basis of the earlier description of Choisy. 77.86.63.166 (talk) 18:44, 20 November 2022 (UTC)

Furthermore, the article states that 'Micha Popper, though, disputes that an unhappy childhood always leads to obsessive urges, citing Winston Churchill as an example where childhood unhappiness had positive results.' This is a misconception of what is meant by the Phaeton Complex. At its basis is a sense of inferiority arising from the absence of love in childhood. This psychologically motivates the individual to try to achieve in order to attain recognition, admiration and a substitute for the love which was absent in childhood. "Obsessive urges" is inappropriate terminology as is Churchill's achievements labelled as "positive results". Whether these "results" were "positive" is a matter of political opinion and value judgment. What matters here is the Phaetonic nature of Churchill's personality as a psychological driver in what he sought to realise. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.86.63.166 (talk) 19:06, 20 November 2022 (UTC)

A very interesting study of the relationship between loss and bereavement in childhood on the one hand, and achievement on the other at the following link. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25630195/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.86.63.166 (talk) 16:13, 22 November 2022 (UTC)