An exemplary life? A personal construct analysis of the autobiography of Rudolf Hoess, Commandant of Auschwitz

Nick Reed, David Winter, Joerg Schulz, Esther Aslan, Joan Miquel Soldevilla, Duygu Kuzu

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Abstract

This article analyses the autobiography of Rudolf Hoess, commandant of Auschwitz. Textual grid, ABC and self-characterisation analyses of the autobiography are used to construe Hoess’s writing. The textual grid analysis suggests that Hoess saw his adult self as being different from others but his young self as similar to Jews. Conflicts in self-construing are identified. The ABC analysis indicates that, from his perspective, it made sense for Hoess to choose not to leave the concentration camp service. The self-characterisation analysis focuses on whether Hoess experienced Kellyan guilt and it suggests that he did, but in unexpected contexts.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)274-288
JournalJournal of Constructivist Psychology
Volume27
Issue number4
Early online date27 Aug 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Oct 2014

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