PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENCES AS A CAUSE OF VIOLENCE: A STUDY OF BUCHI EMECHETA’S JOYS OF motherhood

Abstract

Abstract
Most times, the lower class in Africa are faced with overbearing emotional and physical pains due to the problem posed by the patriarchal nature of the society, obscure traditions and failed leadership, which causes mass poverty through the high rate of inflation, low per capita income, unemployment, underemployment and rapid population growth. Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood, exposes the above-listed hurting circumstances, their effect on the character’s inner self and the character’s outward reaction. Using Sigmund Freud's discusses on ego psychological defence mechanisms; the study identifies some defences that are prone to result in violence, which is common among young people, inexperienced and severely distressed individuals.. Although the characters in Joys of Motherhood employ many defence mechanisms such as dissociation, denial, regression, intellectualisation, suppression, altruism and sublimation. However, this study, discoursed characters who employ some reactive primitive defences that enable them to transfer their psychological pains to themselves, some other items around them or to persons outside themselves. An instance is noticed in characters like Nnuego, who when in sever distress, acted out by trying to kill herself. On the other hand, Nnaife, tried to harm a neighbour during his emotional distress. It is noticed that by the use of mature defences, these painful anxiety-causing circumstances are subdued. The study, therefore, recommends a change of thought patterns and an improved standard of living for the people in other to quell their psychological pains and reduce the rate of violence in Africa.