| This study presents a psychobiography of the noted mystic and political activist Saint Catherine of Siena (1347--1380) who died due to anorexia at the age of 33. The purpose of the study is to (a) present possible ways to understand the life of this extraordinary woman and to (b) explore the power of D. W. Winnicott's theories as they are applied to a complex, deeply religious person. There are limitations inherent in psychobiography of a historically distant figure so the author proposes an "as-if" method of inquiry (i.e. proceeding as if the limitations did not exist) which allows for "play"---in the Winnicottian sense---with the theory and the source material. Primary source materials include Catherine's letters, prayers and mystic treaties, as well as a biography written by her confessor and letters by other contemporaries. The author presents an overview of the salient history, including cultural and theological contexts, and a review of Winnicott's key concepts. The psychobiography is undertaken using Winnicott's bifurcate method of research---direct observation of the child paired with a retrospective analysis of the adult. It is suggested that Catherine survived traumatic failure of her holding environment as a toddler during the Bubonic Plague. Transitional phenomena---particularly a relationship with god-as-transitional-object---supported ego-defenses and enabled Catherine to accomplish extraordinary things in spite of a life-long vulnerability to depression and schizoid states. Her religiosity is examined with reference to the manic defense, false self, and play in the potential space. In conclusion, the "as-if" method of inquiry is evaluated and it is asserted that Winnicott's theories are not only powerful tools for this psychobiography but are also deeply relevant in the modern clinical situation, especially in work with clients' spirituality. |
