The phenomenon of alienated subjectivity as a target of psychocorrective action during work with consequences of sexual violence

this article examines the profound psychological consequences of traumatic experiences, with a specific focus on sexualized violence. It addresses the limitations of standard diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in capturing the depth of personality disintegration following such events. The study aims to introduce and elaborate the concept of ‘alienated subjectivity’ (otchuzhdennaya sub'yektnost) to describe core disturbances in self-organization. It seeks to differentiate the mechanisms of trauma formation, particularly the splitting of the self and repression of the traumatized fragment, from simpler symptomatic presentations. The research employs a theoretical and conceptual analysis based on a synthesis of psychoanalytic theory and clinical observation. The methodology involves a critical examination of existing diagnostic frameworks and the development of a new conceptual model for understanding complex trauma. The analysis reveals that the repressed fragment of personality, while alienated, remains active through derivatives such as compulsive repetitions and symptoms. A crucial distinction is made between situation-related guilt and persistent shame, which forms a negative self-identity. Furthermore, the article highlights the phenomenon of vicarious traumatization of mental health professionals. The findings suggest that psychotherapy focused solely on symptom reduction is less effective than depth work addressing the underlying psychic mechanisms. The process of integrating ‘alienated subjectivity’ is proposed as a primary target for therapeutic intervention. This represents a paradigm shift for treating complex trauma outcomes beyond the PTSD framework.

psychological trauma, sexualized violence, PTSD, complex PTSD, alienated subjectivity, violations of self-organization, fragmentation of the ego, sense of shame, vicarious trauma