Identification Mechanisms in Coronary Occlusion

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Abstract
The occurrence of a definite personality type in patients with coronary artery disease has long been recognized. These patients exhibit a compulsive striving for achievement and mastery. Success does not bring with it a sense of gratification or any relief from tension. The individual identifies himself with his superior and is constantly drawn into new situations of a competitive character. Neither in the psychic nor in the somatic sphere is the patient ever at peace. The characteristic defense mechanisms of repression and identification serve their purpose only incompletely. The purpose of the study reported in this paper was an investigation of why these adaptive mechanisms fail. It is based on an analysis of 9 cases of coronary occlusion, serially admitted to the medical wards of the Presbyterian Hospital. In addition to a psychiatric study of the patients, projective methods such as the Rorschach test were used. Short case histories of 7 patients are presented.

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