The authors describe four fantasy themes encountered on psychiatric research wards and note that there are often painful conflicts of duty when the therapeutic approach and research procedures seem incompatible. They present some examples of the adaptive and defensive utilization of the four fantasy themes. The authors believe that if there is greater general understanding about the research fantasies of the various individuals who are involved in the psychiatric research ward, there will be greater opportunity for both valid communication and empathy for opposing points of view.Abstract Teaser