The missionary syndrome

Early sexual explorations of children that are of a traumatic nature are often labeled by the child as bad or wrong and subsequently repressed. The guilt that results from the labeling may be intensified at a later date by some other similar incident, and at this time the person may make a binding commitment or promise to God to serve Him in some dutiful way. If, at a later date, these plans to serve God cannot be realized, depression, phobias, or conversion symptomatology may occur, which we have referred to as the Missionary Syndrome.Ray O. Sexton, M.D., is a psychiatrist in private practice in Memphis, TennesseeWith Dr. Sexton, he maintains a private practice in Memphis, Tennessee.