Harvey, Anna and Goldblatt, Mark J (2026) Fascist States of Mind: Individual Psychology and Group Functioning. International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies, 23 (2). ISSN eISSN: 1556-9187 Full text available

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Abstract

A fascist state of mind may refer to a political ideology as well as an internal psychological state. Extremist right-wing ideology associated with nativism and xenophobia vilifies “others” so that they may be violently devalued and attacked. In some individuals, splitting and projective identification enable a pathological organization of the mind to defend against exposure to shameful vulnerability. Doubt, complexity, and inner conflict are eliminated to create a simplified, rigid, and violent mindset, producing idealization and denigration. In this paper, we consider Rosenfeld's (1987) description of destructive narcissism and Bollas' (1992/2012) depiction of a fascist state of mind to explore possible links between an individual's psychopathological experience and the destructive processes that contribute to the development of oppressive societies and totalitarian states.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Received: 1 March 2026 | Revised: 28 April 2026 | Accepted: 12 May 2026
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bolas, destructive narcissism, fascism, Rosenfeld, totalitarian
Subjects:	Disabilities & Disorders (mental & physical) > Personality Disorders (e.g. narcissism) Groups & Organisations > Group Processes/Group Dynamics Subconscious & Unconscious, Personality > Psychoanalytic Personality Factors eg Ego
Department/People:	Department of Education and Training
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/3098

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