OMNIPOTENCE VERSUS HELPLESSNESS IN THE CONTEXT OF CURRENT MENTAL TRAUMA

Abstract

The article analyzes the concepts of omnipotence and helplessness in relation to mental trauma. It is argued that the concept of omnipotence is associated with the pre-object stage of primary narcissism, serves as a source of normal self-efficacy, and is linked to the experience of guilt. The complex of learned helplessness is identified as one of the leading contemporary cognitive models of PTSD. Within the analytic framework, an initial position of omnipotence is assumed, which is gradually limited by reality and forms the foundation of normal self-efficacy. In contrast, the cognitive framework assumes an initial position of helplessness, with normal self-efficacy developing through the process of learning control. It is proposed to consider helplessness and omnipotence not as opposite (contrary) but as conflicting (contradictory) concepts: the notion of omnipotence is related to the formation of moral responsibility for the world, whereas helplessness is linked to the development of instrumental self-efficacy. The paper suggests the potential for further application of the omnipotence model to conceptualize complex PTSD (CPTSD) and complex mental trauma. The omnipotence complex is thought to be activated in more intricate traumatic situations, where the sense of control over the world is violated—not merely in situations of fear of death or unavoidable danger. The “activation” of the omnipotence complex gives rise to feelings of existential guilt within complex trauma, leading to the phenomenon of pseudo-mentalization. Approaches are proposed for psychotherapeutic work with CPTSD aimed at clarifying the alternative reality unconsciously imagined by the client but impossible to realize, and at facilitating the acceptance of powerlessness, which opens access to a normal grieving process.