Atlas personality
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The Atlas personality, drawing on the myth of the giant Atlas from Greek mythology upholding the world, is someone obliged to take on adult responsibilities prematurely. They are thus liable to develop a pattern of compulsive caregiving in later life.
Origins and nature
The Atlas personality is typically found in a person who felt obliged during childhood to take on responsibilities (extending beyond normal household chores or looking after siblings) such as providing psychological support to parents, often in a chaotic family situation.[1]
The result in adult life can be a personality devoid of fun, and feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.[2] Depression and anxiety, as well as over-sensitivity to others and an inability to assert their own needs, are further identifiable characteristics;[3] as too may be an underlying rage against the parents for not having provided love,[4] and for exploiting the child for their own narcissistic needs.[5]
While Atlas personalities may appear to function adequately as adults, they may be pervaded with a sense of emptiness, and be lacking in vitality.[6]
Notable examples
- Northrop Frye saw Julius Caesar as unable to evade the burden of leadership, in the way Hercules (for example) had offloaded the weight of the world onto Atlas.[7]
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been seen as a young person carrying age-inappropriate responsibilities for the fate of the world.[8]
See also
References
- ^ R. Baron, Psychology (1995) p. 516
- ^ N. Barry, Mother's Ruin (2013)
- ^ L. Z. Vogel: Atlas personality
- ^ John Bowlby, The Making and Breaking of Affectional Bonds (London 1979) p. 139
- ^ Alice Miller, 'The Drama of Being a Child (London 1990) p. 38
- ^ R. Rentoul, Ferenczi's Language of Tenderness (Plymouth 2011) p. 44
- ^ N. Frye, Fools of Time (London 1967) p. 74
- ^ E. Levine, Undead TV (London 2007) p. 36
Further reading
- L. J. Cozolino, The Making of a Therapist (New York 2004)