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Ludovico’s Technique: The Literary Depiction of Aversion Therapy in ‘A Clockwork Orange’

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2022

J. Wellington*
Affiliation:
Cardiff University, School Of Medicine, Barry, United Kingdom
A. Wellington
Affiliation:
Cardiff University, Department Of Biosciences, Barry, United Kingdom
M. Abbasy
Affiliation:
Rush University Medical Centre, Medical Centre, Chicago, United States of America
M. Bhagia
Affiliation:
Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital, Medicine, Mumbai, India
D. Myles
Affiliation:
Medical University of the Americas, Psychiatry, Kentville, Canada
V. Bhure
Affiliation:
Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute Of Medical Sciences, Bhandara, India
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Anthony Burgess’ novel ‘Clockwork Orange’ identifies the topical debates surrounding the use of aversion therapy (or aversive conditioning) as an effective treatment for addictive behaviours. Widely popularised in literature as ‘Ludovico’s Technique’, Burgess attempts to credit the misunderstanding and dramatization of its effects when the main protagonist is released from a prison sentence after undergoing this treatment.

Objectives

We aimed to highlight the depictions of aversion therapy in modern popular literature.

Methods

A narrative review of the current literature concerning aversion therapy and Anthony Burgess’s novel ‘A Clockwork Orange’ was conducted. Emphasis on the misinterpretation of aversive therapies was noted.

Results

Since the introduction of pharmacological alternatives and additional forms of psychological therapies, there has been a decline in the use of aversion therapy in recent decades. However, it is still effective when conceding the conditioning process. Likewise, its predecessor’ visual imagery’ is believed to be a more acceptable and effective form.

Conclusions

The depiction of aversion therapy in literature and media has played a role in shaping societal views on aversive conditioning techniques and the degree to which they are deemed acceptable forms of treatment. The “Ludovico Technique” featured in the novel ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and its film adaptation is arguably the most salient depiction of aversion therapy in popular culture.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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