Promiscuity- A Self-Destructive Behavior in Correlation with a Lack of Paternal Authority: A Single Case Study
Rebecca M Bauman

2015 MAR LIB-495-GS001
Abstract
Paternal authority, according to the existing literature, is of upmost importance to the healthy psychosexual development of a child. Women who were raised with a lack of paternal authority can often face significant setbacks when dealing with everyday life issues. Promiscuity as a self-destructive behavior has substantial consequences often resulting in mental and physical suffering. This qualitative single case study was designed to explore the correlation of promiscuity- as a self-destructive behavior with women who were raised in single-mother households where there was a lack of paternal authority.
A single intrinsic case study was used to explore one woman’s battle with promiscuity. The data obtained formed a narrative generated by the triangulation of psychoanalytical therapy sessions, a client intake form and the woman’s journal. A case analysis was performed and later reviewed by an attending mental health clinician.
The results indicated the woman manifests the self-destructive behavior of promiscuity at the expense of poor self-esteem which directly correlates with a lack of paternal authority. The disruption of the woman’s psychosexual development in childhood negatively altered her self-image. The woman uses transference in her intimate relationships as a desperate attempt to gain control of her life. Further research and use of psychometric testing with a large number of women suffering with promiscuity as a self-destructive behavior in correlation to a lack of paternal authority was suggested.

Table of Contents
Chapter Page
I Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………5
Background of the Study
Problem Statement Professional Significance