Editorial
https://doi.org/10.24869/psihei.2026.75
GENEROSITY, INSIGHT, AND TRUTH FROM A PSYCHODYNAMIC PERSPECTIVE
Vedran Bilić
; Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Darko Marčinko,
; Full Professor, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Duško Rudan
; Research Assistant, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Filip Mustač
; Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper examines the psychodynamic concept of generosity. It analyzes the distinction between mature integrated generosity and its regressive and defensive forms. Based on the fundamental psychoanalytic assumption of the unconscious determination of psychic functioning, this study explores the defensive and developmental dimensions of generosity, which are linked to unconscious guilt, narcissistic vulnerability, and the need for validation. Such generosity is conditioned by the regulation of guilt, aggression, and narcissistic vulnerability. In contrast, authentic generosity is associated with psychic health: mentalization, secure
attachment, tolerance of ambivalence, and preserved self-protection. The paper also considers the relationship between generosity, insight, and truth. Bion’s concepts
of truth and the transformation into O, together with Grotstein’s and Blass’ elaborations on the drive for truth as an organizing function of the psyche, interact dynamically with the capacity to tolerate and utilize truth. A necessary prerequisite for the containment and integration of truth is structural capacity. Without it, revealing interventions—or truth itself—can unacceptably destabilize the psyche. Authentic generosity on the part of the therapist is a prerequisite for establishing and maintaining a therapeutic framework in which the patient can develop the capacity to tolerate and utilize truth for psychological growth.
Keywords
psychodynamic perspective; generosity; health; truth; insight
Hrčak ID:
348204
URI
Publication date:
11.6.2026.
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