Preoedipal factors in "Little Hans".

In this article, the text of "Little Hans" has been reexamined in reference to the existence of negative oedipal and preoedipal factors in the development, meanings, and resolution of Hans's phobia. The cumulative effect of the frequent administration of enemas, sleeping in the parental bedroom, exposure to the bloody birth of a sibling, a generally absent father and a seductive, threatening mother would be expected to interfere significantly with the process of separation-individuation. Evidence suggesting that Hans had problems in this area is discussed. In addition to reflecting the displaced fear of Hans's oedipal rival, his horse phobia may also represent his dread of a castrating preoedipal mother and his fear of a castrating vagina. The treatment, by clarifying many of Hans's misconceptions and by allowing Hans to develop a closer, more solid relationship with his father, assisted Hans in more completely negotiating the phallic-dyadic phase of development and helped him to move more completely into the oedipal phase proper.