Definition extracted with permission from Simon, Fritz, et al, Family Process, Inc.: Language of Family Therapy: A Systemic Vocabulary and Source Book (Family Process Press Series)
"The effort to drive the other person crazy" was hypothesized by Searles (1959) as "an element in the aetiology and psychotherapy of schizophrenia." This is a form of behavior and/or communication that causes another person to experience extreme emotional conflict because it confuses and undermines the development of autonomy and has a detrimental effect on the other's sense of personal identity and positive self-image.
- Searles, H. F. The effort to drive the other person crazy: An element in the aetiology and psychotherapy of schizophrenia. British Journal of Medical Psychology 32: 1-18, 1959.
Credit