Violence and death drive: a study of the experiences of prisoners

Abstract

From a psychoanalytic perspective, violence can be understood as a manifestation of the death drive, associated with intrapsychic conflicts and the destruction of the object as a means of reducing psychic tension. The present study aimed to articulate the concept of the death drive with the experiences reported by incarcerated men who committed homicide or attempted homicide, as well as to understand the phenomenon of violence through a psychoanalytic framework. This is a qualitative and descriptive study conducted with 12 men, aged between 18 and 60 years, deprived of liberty due to homicide or attempted homicide. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. Two thematic cores were identified: “Aggressive-violent behaviors prior to the crime” and “Homicide: psychoanalytic elements.” The results indicated that participants understood the criminal act as a moment marked by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and the absence of conscious reflection regarding their actions, frequently associated with intense anger. Feelings of guilt and regret following the crime were also evidenced, as well as relationships between violence, psychic suffering, and the death drive. It is concluded that violence may operate unconsciously as a means of discharging psychic tension and attempting to reduce displeasure.