Year: 1992 Source: British Journal of Medical Psychology, v.65, pt.2, (June 1992), p.95-106 SIEC No: 19920704

Pedder reviews various problems in relation to psychoanalytic theories of aggression. He first considers why the concept of aggression as a major drive was a relative late-comer in psychoanalysis. He then reviews the concept of a “death instinct”. Pedder suggests that theories of aggression can be called primary or secondary in two different senses. Lastly, the link between suicide & murder is examined, & the turning of aggression against the self in depression & self-destructive acts. (31 refs)