Susan Smith
Susan Smith's written confession at 50% of original size
First Impression:
Wound up. Tension and repression.
Analysis:
Compulsiveness is the hallmark of Susan's writing, (evidenced by its extreme rigidity and monotony). Middle Zone emphasis reveals her as present oriented and self-involved, with excessive repression of her feelings. She is fearful of responding spontaneously in any circumstances. Her compulsivity also expresses itself in her search for perfectionism.
This extreme self-control protects her from having to adapt to change. Because she is anxious (shown by lack of spontaneity, controlled writing that appears perfect and thus masks fear) and poorly motivated beyond day-to-day concerns (seen in lack of rightward tendency, compressed letter forms and weak t-bars that are low on the stem), she holds on to her childish view of life and stays emotionally underdeveloped (evidenced by a Middle Zone emphasis, lack of Upper Zone, drawn writing and conventional style), and attached to conventional and immature forms of behaviour. Susan's ego structure is weak so she will not allow herself to express natural feelings (due to lack of word lead-ins and endings, lack of rightward tendencies and lack of spontaneity) from which self-development might follow.
These efforts for self-control are a measure of her insecurity (seen in her attempts at perfect control and being wound tight or compressed) and her need for an emotional structure within which to remain passive and dependent (seen in her rounded Middle Zone formations and leftward tendencies). She craves nearness and is willing to be submissive (roundedness), but as part of her devotion she smothers those close to her, giving them no chance to breath (which you observe in the crowded letters within words).
She is a serious and dutiful person who will perservere to accomplish a short-term objective (shown in her lack of Upper Zone formations and lack of rightward tendencies; which we combine with an even left-hand margin, even controlled baseline and Middle Zone formations).
Her need for self-control (which we see in the attempts at perfection, disconnected letters, leftward tendencies and lack of release strokes) prevents her emotional release which leads to considerable frustration. She cannot express her anger outwardly so she must direct it inward (drawn formations) where it develops into feelings of depression and guilt (that we know to be inward directed anger).
Her dependency (rounded formations and lack of rightward tendencies) and submission (again in roundedness) cause her to feel victimized (seen in the frequent use of dished t-bars), i.e., to feel that too much is expected of her and of being at other people's mercy.
Although her ability to be sympathetic (seen in the rounded formations), helpful and grateful is part of her emotionally dependent nature, she is incapable of genuine emotional partnership. Thus her fears and lack of courage inhibit any advance toward self-development.
---oOo---
Note: DSMIII defines the compulsive disorder as characterized by repetitive thoughts of violence, e.g., if a parent, killing one's child. This thought pattern is often accompanied by depressive qualities.
Note: Her ex-husband, friends and family all emphasized that she was such a perfect mother -- perhaps she was overcompensating for negative thoughts about the burden of child caring, plus the conflict between the desire to be rid of it and the caring, loving side of her nature.
Guest Analyst: Rosemary Arnold, CG
Wound up. Tension and repression.
Analysis:
Compulsiveness is the hallmark of Susan's writing, (evidenced by its extreme rigidity and monotony). Middle Zone emphasis reveals her as present oriented and self-involved, with excessive repression of her feelings. She is fearful of responding spontaneously in any circumstances. Her compulsivity also expresses itself in her search for perfectionism.
This extreme self-control protects her from having to adapt to change. Because she is anxious (shown by lack of spontaneity, controlled writing that appears perfect and thus masks fear) and poorly motivated beyond day-to-day concerns (seen in lack of rightward tendency, compressed letter forms and weak t-bars that are low on the stem), she holds on to her childish view of life and stays emotionally underdeveloped (evidenced by a Middle Zone emphasis, lack of Upper Zone, drawn writing and conventional style), and attached to conventional and immature forms of behaviour. Susan's ego structure is weak so she will not allow herself to express natural feelings (due to lack of word lead-ins and endings, lack of rightward tendencies and lack of spontaneity) from which self-development might follow.
These efforts for self-control are a measure of her insecurity (seen in her attempts at perfect control and being wound tight or compressed) and her need for an emotional structure within which to remain passive and dependent (seen in her rounded Middle Zone formations and leftward tendencies). She craves nearness and is willing to be submissive (roundedness), but as part of her devotion she smothers those close to her, giving them no chance to breath (which you observe in the crowded letters within words).
She is a serious and dutiful person who will perservere to accomplish a short-term objective (shown in her lack of Upper Zone formations and lack of rightward tendencies; which we combine with an even left-hand margin, even controlled baseline and Middle Zone formations).
Her need for self-control (which we see in the attempts at perfection, disconnected letters, leftward tendencies and lack of release strokes) prevents her emotional release which leads to considerable frustration. She cannot express her anger outwardly so she must direct it inward (drawn formations) where it develops into feelings of depression and guilt (that we know to be inward directed anger).
Her dependency (rounded formations and lack of rightward tendencies) and submission (again in roundedness) cause her to feel victimized (seen in the frequent use of dished t-bars), i.e., to feel that too much is expected of her and of being at other people's mercy.
Although her ability to be sympathetic (seen in the rounded formations), helpful and grateful is part of her emotionally dependent nature, she is incapable of genuine emotional partnership. Thus her fears and lack of courage inhibit any advance toward self-development.
---oOo---
Note: DSMIII defines the compulsive disorder as characterized by repetitive thoughts of violence, e.g., if a parent, killing one's child. This thought pattern is often accompanied by depressive qualities.
Note: Her ex-husband, friends and family all emphasized that she was such a perfect mother -- perhaps she was overcompensating for negative thoughts about the burden of child caring, plus the conflict between the desire to be rid of it and the caring, loving side of her nature.
Guest Analyst: Rosemary Arnold, CG
