The Rape of Persephone: An Exploration of Trauma and the Schizoid Psyche

Abstract

This dissertation delves into childhood trauma through the myth of Demeter and Persephone, elucidating themes of motherhood, grief, and the imperative of bearing witness. Employing object relations and attachment theories, this study explores the impact of early experiences on an individual’s capacity to navigate trauma. Special emphasis is placed on childhood sexual abuse, a widespread issue with enduring psychological repercussions. Survivors frequently endure emotions of shame, guilt, and disconnection, resulting in unconscious defenses that fragment aspects of the self. This research seeks pathways toward healing and reintegration, utilizing the myth as a symbolic framework. Demeter represents the nurturing, grieving mother, while Persephone symbolizes the lost self, demonstrating the potential for reunification and recovery. Through transference dialogues and the alchemical hermeneutic process, three principal themes emerged: (1) the therapist as a “good mother” who provides safety and emotional attunement, (2) the critical necessity for survivors to narrate their stories within a supportive environment, and (3) the essential role of grief in reclaiming the lost self. The concept of self-mothering proved vital in integrating the psyche.