M. Scott Peck describes transference as, “that set of ways of perceiving and responding to the world which is developed in childhood and which is usually entirely appropriate to the childhood environment (indeed, often life-saving) but which is inappropriately transferred into the adult environment." This means that there are different, though completely valid, ways to view reality for different ages and maturities.
Peck also describes maps as a metaphor for having direction in life as well as an understanding of life. He says, “Our view of reality is like a map with which to negotiate the terrain of life.” Whether it is the right or wrong direction and/or understanding depends on if the map is accurate. Another way to explain transference by using the concept of maps is when a person carries over their valid maps from childhood into adulthood which makes them invalid.
Life maps, such as this map of the Ancient World, can often be incorrect or incomplete.
Picture from www.florenceprints.com
This idea of transference is something to be aware of, because of the problems and dangers that can arise from a transferred map. Peck gives the example of the “brilliant but unsuccessful computer technician.” This man believed, because his parents almost constantly disappointed his expectations from their lack of caring, that no one with a position of authority above him could be trusted. He could never bring himself to trust his wife, the police, employers, teachers, etc. because of the map from his childhood which screamed “Don’t trust people!” Peck says he only trusted and cared for his children, because they were the only people in his life whom he had complete authority over. His life was ruined because he never knew that his parents were really callous jerks, and so he never knew that he was creating false norms for himself. So we do not end up like the “brilliant but unsuccessful computer technician”, we need to be aware of making incorrect maps in our past, so we do not transcribe them to our futures.
The best example of transference I can give begins in the summer of 2004, when I first met Elizabeth Eveker through Youth Sing Praise’s production of Godspell. Youth Sing Praise is an amalgam of a Theatre Camp and a God Camp, lasting 8 days, where approximately 100 high school students come in from all over the United States to rehearse for a Faith-based musical while participating in retreat/small group activities. It is common for YSP participants to become so engrossed by the YSP experience that we become best friends with these people. Elizabeth and I had this bond, and became very close friends: the sort of friends you expect to have for a lifetime. However, six months later, all of us from Youth Sing Praise 2004 held our annual Reunion Party on December 30th where the participants of the previous year’s YSP come back to the Shrine. Everything was amazing until we headed off to the after-party in Breese, IL, when Erin Majchrzak, Jessica Perkins, and Elizabeth got into a horrid car crash. She died three days later. Everyone from YSP was deeply affected by this, some more than others, but myself especially. I came to realize the fragility of life, even for people around my age. Before this I had this concept, though unintentionally created, that people I knew personally didn’t die. I had never thought that such a thing was possible, so when I found out that her health was deteriorating a day later, and especially two days later when she was pronounced officially brain-dead, I was in a state of compete shock. I didn’t know how to deal with the emotional trauma that I was going through. I basically felt like crap. Eventually, with the help and support of everyone from YSP, we were able to (sort of) move on, though , of course, we will never forget her. She was definitely one of the most genuine and inspirational people I know. So in conclusion, I believe that this demonstrates the effects of transference in my life, because before the accident, I had this idea of life and death in my mind that young deaths happen to other people, simply because I had never in my lifetime experienced a close friend’s death. However, after Elizabeth’s tragic death, I was quite painfully forced out of this map and forced to realize the harsh reality that life so often consists of. In conclusion, I think that I have grown since then: I have become stronger emotionally, and I have a much greater appreciation for the people in my life now. As Galinda says in Wicked, "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."
Jessica Perkins, Erin Majchrzak, Myself, and Elizabeth Eveker a few hours before the accident.
Picture taken by Daniel Hrdlicka
In Memory of Elizabeth Eveker