Mental Conflicts and Misconduct

By William Healy.

“The great value of understanding] the foundations of conduct is clearly shown by such living facts as are gathered together in this volume. Bearing upon one type of causation of misconduct, we have here not only a rational psychological theory, but also abundant concrete material. An important field is opened before us, especially interesting because of the revelation (a) of potent subconscious mental mechanisms working ac- cording to definite laws of mental life, and (6) of types of hidden early experiences which definitely evoke these mental processes that are forerunners of misconduct. Troublesome behavior, originating in the experiences and mechanisms here under discussion, ranges widely from mere faults of social attitude to severe delinquency and crime dependent upon uncontrolled anti-social motivation or impulse. Cases having this causation occur so frequently that specific knowledge of their nature should be part of the equipment of all who have to pass judgment or to advise concerning misdoing and misdoers.” Boston: Little, Brown and Co. 1917. 330p.