A Man Dying With AIDS: Psychoanalysis or Existentialism?

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop an existentialist critique of psychoa- nalysis which has contemporary and practical relevance. It does this by drawing on a case-study of a man dying with AIDS published by Hildebrand in 1992. The interpretations proposed by Hildebrand are outlined and a critique and alternative explanation developed on the basis of the author's empirical research with HIV-positive individuals which is informed by an existentialist theoretical framework. It is argued that the latter framework provides the basis for a more valid, convincing and humane understanding of the situation faced by individuals living and dying with HIV/AIDS. The therapeutic implications of these alternative theoretical frameworks are discussed.