View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by South East Academic Libraries System (SEALS) 1 Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study By Garth Baldwin In fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Magister Artium in Clinical Psychology In the Faculty of Health Sciences Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University March 2013 Supervisor: Alida Sandison Co-Supervisor: Lisa Currin 2 Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study Reverend James Warren “Jim” Jones (Robinson, 1978). 3 Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study Acknowledgements: I would like to dedicate this study to my father, Cyril Baldwin, who passed away during the beginning stages of this research. I could not have asked for a more supportive father and I am sure he would have been proud of this accomplishment. Furthermore, I would like to thank Stephanie Baldwin, my wife, for her support throughout the study and her invaluable assistance with the editing and formatting. I would like to thank my family for their continuous support and understanding. I also would like to thank my friends who have been understanding throughout this study. Lastly, special mention has to be given to my supervisors for their support, guidance and encouragement throughout the course of this study. Thank you for everything that you have done for me Alida Sandison and Lisa Currin. 4 Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study Abstract The purpose of a psychobiography is to describe an individual‟s life while using a psychological theory. James Warren “Jim” Jones was selected through purposive sampling because of his instrumental role in organising the largest mass suicide in recorded USA history. Kernberg‟s (1979; 1985; 2004) object relations theory was used to illuminate his life and personality dynamics, a theory focused on describing the borderline personality organisation. The study employed a qualitative single case study design, and data was analysed according to the principals set out by Yin (1994) as well as Miles and Huberman (1994). Results indicated that Kernberg‟s (1979; 1985; 2004) theory was suitable in shedding light on the life of this infamous historical figure, which resulted in an increased understanding of the application of this psychological theory. Lastly, it contributed towards increasing the limited number of psychobiographical studies conducted in South Africa. Keywords: James Warren “Jim” Jones, object relations, Otto Kernberg, personality development, psychobiography 5 Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study Table of Contents Chapter 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Introduction and Problem Statement ................................................................................................ 14 1.1 Chapter Preview ........................................................................................................................ 14 1.2 Motivation for the Study ............................................................................................................ 14 1.2.1 The Researcher‟s Personal Motivation ................................................................................ 14 1.2.2 Professional Motivation ...................................................................................................... 15 1.3 The Life of Jones ....................................................................................................................... 16 1.4 Kernberg‟s Theory of Object Relations ...................................................................................... 17 1.5 The Psychobiographical Approach ............................................................................................. 19 1.6 Research Methodology .............................................................................................................. 19 1.6.1 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................. 19 1.6.2 Primary Aim of the Research .............................................................................................. 20 1.7 Overview of Study ..................................................................................................................... 20 1.8 Chapter Summery ...................................................................................................................... 21 Chapter 2 ......................................................................................................................................... 22 The Life of Jim Jones ...................................................................................................................... 22 2.1 Chapter Preview ........................................................................................................................ 22 2.2 Jones‟s Childhood ..................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.1 Starting School ................................................................................................................... 23 2.3 Adolescence and Early Adulthood ............................................................................................. 25 2.3.1 Peer Relationships ............................................................................................................... 25 6 Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study 2.3.2 Marriage and Early Family .................................................................................................. 25 2.3.3 Father Divine ...................................................................................................................... 27 2.3.4 Integrationist ....................................................................................................................... 27 2.3.5 Jones‟s Sabbatical from the USA ........................................................................................ 28 2.3.6 Return to the USA. .............................................................................................................. 28 2.4 Ukiah 1965 - 1975 ..................................................................................................................... 29 2.4.1 Relationship with His Family .............................................................................................. 30 2.4.2 Jones and Tim Stoen ........................................................................................................... 31 2.4.3 Expanding the Peoples Temple ........................................................................................... 31 2.4.4 Sex According to Jim Jones ................................................................................................ 34 2.4.5 The Spreading of Paranoia .................................................................................................. 35 2.4.6 Betrayal in the Peoples Temple ........................................................................................... 36 2.4.7 Condoned Violence ............................................................................................................. 37 2.5 San Francisco 1975 – 1977 ........................................................................................................ 37 2.5.1 Identification with Figures of Power.................................................................................... 37 2.5.2 Contemplation of Suicide .................................................................................................... 38 2.5.3 Paranoia .............................................................................................................................. 39 2.5.4 Family ................................................................................................................................ 39 2.5.5 Scandal in the Press ............................................................................................................ 40 2.6 Jonestown 1977 - 1978 .............................................................................................................. 41 2.6.1 Health ................................................................................................................................. 41 2.6.2 White Nights ....................................................................................................................... 42 7 Rev James Warren “Jim” Jones: A Psychobiographical Study 2.6.3 Congressional Visit ............................................................................................................. 43 2.7 Chapter Summery ...................................................................................................................... 45 Chapter 3 ......................................................................................................................................... 46 An Overview of Object Relations Theory ........................................................................................ 46 3.1 Chapter Preview ...................................................................................................................... 46 3.2 Object Relations Overview .................................................................................................