The Illusion of Love: Why the Battered Woman Returns to the Abuser

Plot

From Library Journal
This timely book differs drastically from most current books on the topic. While other authors describe the "cycle of violence" from a family systems perspective, Celani (The Treatment of the Borderline Patient: Applying Fairbairn's Object Relations Theory in a Clinical Setting, International Universities Pr., 1993) expands on Fairbairn's work with neglected and abused children in the foundling homes of Edinburgh, Scotland. The centerpiece of W.R.B. Fairbairn's personality development theory is the nature of the attachment between mother and child. Celani explains clearly how this attachment can produce dysfunctional adults who seek out equally dysfunctional partners. Since Fairbairn and Celani both put the onus of responsibility squarely on the mother, this book will provoke controversy. Celani concludes that the only hope to end domestic violence is to teach parents to love and nurture their children and give them the security they need to feel whole. Appropriate for academic libraries supporting women's studies and psychology collections.