Am J Psychiatry 1975; 132:703-706
Copyright © 1975 by American Psychiatric Association
Values, Myths, and Symbols
R May
Defining "symbol" as that which draws together and unites experience and
"myth" as a cluster of symbols set in dramatic form, the author discusses
the lack of both symbols and myths in contemporary sociaty. This lack had
led to a disintegration of commonly held values and, ultimately, to a great
need for psychotherapy on the part of individuals seeking personal
identity. The individual must define his or her own values according to
personal myths. One basic function of psychotherapy is to help individuals
in their attempt to recover values.
