Roy Schafer PhD Papers, 1944-2002

Summary

Creator:
Schafer, Roy
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of Roy Schafer, who was an American psychologist and psychoanalyst. The collection has 6 series: Correspondence, Publications, Writings, Subject Files, Audio-visual, and Patient Notes.
Extent:
44 boxes 18.35 linear feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the papers of Roy Schafer, who was an American psychologist and psychoanalyst. There are six series in this collection.

Correspondence: In addition to correspondence, this series includes items that were sent with it, including newsletters, manuscripts, publications, and a folder of materials on the Jack Ruby trial for the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald.

Publications: This series contains publications that Dr. Schafer wrote, such as his articles and reprints, in addition to materials about his publications, such as reviews of his books written by other authors. There are also articles about Dr. Schafer and some correspondence that was sent with reviews.

Writings: The materials in this series include manuscripts and drafts of his writings, and any other items that Dr. Schafer included with his writings, such as correspondence, conference programs, and notes, which have been left in the original folder and order. Some of his notes include manuscripts, articles, or presentations by other people, and it is possible that a few of the writings might be written out presentations. Unless otherwise noted, the manuscripts were authored by Dr. Schafer, and manuscripts by other authors are primarily at the end of the series.

Subject Files: These folders have been left in their original order and folder and include notes, correspondence, and any other materials that Dr. Schafer included in the folder, primarily from conferences and his courses, teaching, and classes.

Audio-visual: This series includes audio and video cassettes, primarily of Dr. Schafer’s presentations.

Patient Notes: These materials include patient interview notes, records, and correspondence.

Biographical / historical:

Roy Schafer (1922-2018) attended the City College of New York for his BA and received his training in psychological testing at the Menninger Clinic in the early 1940s under the direction of David Rapaport. During 1946-1947, he served as Chief of the Adult Testing Division of the Menninger Clinic in addition to obtaining his MA degree at the University of Kansas. In 1947, he moved to the Austen Riggs Center, where he served as Chief of Testing until 1953, while acquiring his PhD at Clark University in 1950 under the direction of Professor Heinz Werner. While at Riggs, he gained experience in intensive psychoanalytic psychotherapy under the supervision of Drs. Robert P. Knight, Merton M. Gill, Margaret Brenman, and Erik Erikson while continuing his theoretical studies with David Rapaport. In 1953, he moved to Yale University where, with a joint appointment in the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, he served as Chief Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale Medical School (1953-1961) and rose to the rank of Associate Professor. Between 1954 and 1959, he completed his training as a psychoanalyst at the Western New England Institute of Psychoanalysis.

Starting in 1961, at Yale University he was a staff psychologist in the Division of Student Mental Hygiene (1961-1976), a lecturer and supervisor on psychotherapy for clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, and held the rank of Clinical Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry. He was also a senior instructor in the Western New England Institute for Psychoanalysis and past President of the Western New England Psychoanalytic Society. In 1975-1976, he was the first Sigmund Freud Memorial Professor at the University College London. He joined the full-time faculty at Cornell University’s Medical College in 1976 and established a private practice in New York City in 1979. He was a prolific author and especially known for his 1976 book, A New Language for Psychoanalysis, and his 1997 book, The Contemporary Kleinians of London. His many honors included the Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award of the International Psychoanalytic Association in 2009.

Acquisition information:
Donated in 2002.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Series 6, boxes 42, 43, and 44 contain Protected Health Information restricted by HIPAA.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from the Oskar Diethelm Library and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Location of this collection:
DeWitt Wallace Institute of Psychiatry: History, Policy and the Arts
Weill Cornell Medical College
525 East 68th Street, Box 140
New York, NY 10065, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
212-746-3728