The capacity to attain subjectivity and emotion: The value of continuity of care

Abstract

Comments on the editorial by Jessica Yakeley et al. (see record 2014-23159-001). Yakeley et al. remind us about the concept of subjectivity. 'Affective subjectivity' is defined as 'the awareness of and reflection on our emotional responses and their influence on the work, and the development of a capacity for self-reflection and emotional attunement with the patients'. The authors list a number of factors that have led to a reduction in the capacity of psychiatrists to develop and use affective subjectivity. One of these is the loss of continuity of care. Without the capacity for doctors to follow patients through, it is very hard to allow subjective feelings to emerge or to use them in the understanding of psychological trauma. The author run a Balint-style case discussion group for core trainees in psychiatry. Over the course of the year the barriers to allowing subjective feelings, so well described by Yakeley et al., gradually reduce. For most trainees a deeper understanding of countertransference and how this can help create an empathic approach to the patients begins to develop. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)