This paper explores a specific type of fantasy frequently reported by latency-age girls in both research and treatment situations. Findings from a developmental study of nine-year-old girls are discussed. Five of the eight subjects spontaneously reported kidnapping fantasies in conjunction with discussions about sleep. The fantasies of the research subjects are detailed along with those of a latency-age girl in treatment, where similar material appeared, to illustrate how their common elements typify female development during this stage of life and contrast with Freud's idea of instinctual quiescence. It is proposed that the fantasy in its various versions is a compromise formation with diagnostic and therapeutic significance that reflects a range of developmental conflicts and the interplay of several factors: maternal identifications, a theme of self-punishment and talion revenge, fears of male aggression disconnected from feelings about actual fathers, and conflictual wishes for a libidinal tie to fathers.

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fantasy child psychology female case report Psychoanalytic Therapy Child Development psychoanalysis Article crime human Humans Child