Date of Award

1-1978

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts: Counseling Psychology

Department

Psychology

Abstract

This 1978 Master’s thesis by Alice Beck Simmons investigates the psychological phenomenon of the "infantilized woman" within the context of middle-class American society. The study posits that traditional cultural attitudes toward marriage, family, and sexuality systematically repress female potential, resulting in women who mature physically but remain emotionally dependent and child-like. The author defines "infantilization" as a condition characterized by low self-esteem, a lack of personal identity, and an inability to function or make decisions without relying on another person.

The paper traces the origins of this condition through developmental stages, arguing that parental reinforcement of dependency and the repression of female sexuality during early childhood and adolescence stifle the development of a mature gender identity. The author contrasts these traditional restrictions with the emerging feminist consciousness of the 1970s, which challenged women to seek autonomy.

A significant portion of the work is dedicated to a clinical case study of "Amanda," a 38-year-old woman who exemplifies the "hysterical personality" traits associated with infantilization, such as denial, regression, and helplessness. through a detailed analysis of Amanda’s therapy, the author illustrates how the therapeutic alliance can help women confront the unconscious fear of "growing up". The study concludes that by analyzing the "pseudo-mutuality" of family systems and building basic trust, therapy can enable infantilized women to break defensive patterns, accept their sexuality, and achieve self-reliance and emotional maturity.

Research Highlights

The Problem: The researcher investigates the phenomenon of the "infantilized woman," defined as middle-class females who are physically mature but remain psychologically childlike and dependent due to reinforcing societal attitudes and family dynamics. 

The Method: The study utilizes a clinical case study approach focused on a 38-year-old woman named "Amanda," analyzed through psychoanalytic and Gestalt therapy frameworks over a three-year period. 

Quantitative Finding: The research sample consisted of ten middle-class women; eight of these subjects were encouraged to attend college primarily to gain "background" to attract a husband rather than to prepare for a career. 

Qualitative Finding: All ten subjects exhibited "hysterical personality" traits characterized by repression, denial, and externalization; the primary case subject successfully transitioned from dependency to autonomy by resolving the conflict between her "idealized self" and "real self".

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