Impasse in relationships : a woman's experience
Date
1984
Authors
Fair, Hanne
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Abstract
This thesis examines the phenomenon of impasse as it relates to women who are experiencing ambivalence regarding their intimate relationships. An analysis of literature and a case study illustration are integrated in an attempt to develop an understanding of this phenomenon. The literature about impasse consists primarily of the writings of Frederick S. Perls, and other theorists from the Gestalt school. Perls' definition of impasse focuses on intrapersonal factors. The suggestion is made in this study that an impasse which occurs within the context of a relationship is further influenced by factors which are not purely intrapersonal; interpersonal and sociological factors also have an impact on this experience. Examination of the case study, and analysis of conceptual similarities between the impasse literature and other writings suggests what some of these factors may be.
Implications for counsellors are discussed, in terms both of a theoretical base and practical interventions which may be particularly helpful in working with this phenomenon.