Why the self is Empty

Why the Self is Empty
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Institution

Why the Self is Empty
“Why the Self is Empty” is an article by Phillip Cushman which emphasises the significance of considering the impacts of historical events on the modern self. The piece concludes that psychology will remain ineffective if it does not realise and acknowledge the gradual development of the empty self. Psychology may even prove damaging to those who seek help through these means to stop the cycle. I agree with Cushman’s assertions about the empty self and the inability of psychology to solve the issues surrounding it. Cushman arguments that the self is continually seeking control, is shaped by influences from its surroundings, and psychotherapy is more harmful to the self are interesting and thought-provoking.
According to Cushman (1990), the empty self represents “a self that experiences a significant absence of community, tradition, and shared meaning” (600). As a result, this self is continually looking for ways to be filled up from external sources. This self, therefore, eagerly consumes what the politicians and cult leaders in their environment propose and is continuously indulging its impulses. The empty self needs to feel in control in all aspects of their life. However, it will settle for the illusion of control. An instance is seeking therapeutic help which is seen as a form of taking control of one’s situation. Additionally, globalisation emphasises an individualistic manner of thinking. But, leaders also caution that people are bound to self-destruct if driven solely by instinct.

Thus, providing an excuse for them to propose radical ways of exerting control on their citizens. The self, therefore, becomes a vessel for suppressing feelings and emotions because society dictates it should be so.
Moreover, Cushman (1990) argues that “the quest for developing a secular personality came to take precedence over building religious character” (602). The secular perspective of individuality has taken over the mindset of self leading to an empty self. The self is shaped by the environment within which it lives. The surroundings may include the political climate, the economic state, or the common thoughts around the self. For example, in Hollywood, accomplishments are determined by an association with a celebrity, so the residents readily believe the ideals of these personalities. To effectively analyse the self, one needs to study it within these contexts. Therefore, psychologists should focus on the impacts the emphasis on consumption and advertising has on the perception of self.
According to Cushman (1990), “psychology cannot fully alleviate the symptoms unless it can treat the cause…the exact subject psychology is not allowed to address” (606). By concentrating on personality disorders, which are symptoms of an empty self, psychotherapy becomes complicit in reinforcing this state. Psychology will continue to promote the empty self if it does not focus on the historical and cultural issues surrounding the modern self. Instead, therapists offer alternative solutions for these symptoms. In most cases, these practices are usually a reflection of the therapists’ mannerisms and beliefs. Therefore, psychotherapy reinforces the cycle of filling up the self with various products. Psychology is rarely an objective form of treatment because the therapists seek to imitate established practices and benefit financially from their association with the patient. Psychologists are unwilling to acknowledge the existence of the modern self, thus, proving more dangerous to their patients.
In summary, “Why the Self is Empty” focuses on the causes of the modern self and the effects of ineffective therapy on this self. Cushman describes the empty self as in need of control and significantly shaped by its environment. Lastly, he argues that psychology is more harmful to this self because it does not offer solutions to the causes of the empty self.

Reference
Cushman, P. (1990). Why the Self is Empty: Toward a Historically Situated Psychology. American Psychologist, 45(5), 599-611.