On Fear and Loathing in the Fragile Masculine Self

Abstract

In this paper, we propose that the fragile masculine self consists of at least two strands of intersecting, intertwined, commingling psychological dynamics: fear and self-loathing. While literature about the fragile masculine self has focused primarily on the fear dynamic, no attention has been given to what we present here as the twin dynamic of self-loathing. Self-loathing is defined, two case examples illustrating the presence of self-loathing (and fear) in the fragile masculine self are presented, and analyses of each case are provided. It is our contention that, if the fragile masculine self is to be most fully understood, studied, and treated, the twin dynamics of fear and self-loathing must both be considered and addressed.