This book revisits the theory of social systems as a defence against anxiety. It explores this theory as a generative paradigm, capable both of theoretical extension and of empirical application to different institutional settings.

Series Editor’s Preface -- Introduction: revisiting the paradigm -- Theoretical -- Obsessional–punitive defences in care systems: Menzies Lyth revisited -- Beyond identifying social defences: “working through” and lessons from people whispering -- A psycho-social perspective on social defences -- Social defences in the information age -- Defences against innovation: the conservation of vagueness -- Reconceptualizing social defences for the purpose of organizational change: causes, consequences, and the contribution of cultural theory -- Health and nursing -- Reflections on Isabel Menzies Lyth in the light of developments in nursing care -- “I’m beyond caring”: a response to the Francis Report -- Anxiety at the front line -- A partnership of policing and health systems: containing the dynamics of sexual violence -- Running the gauntlet of institutional defence: from the prison gate to the hospital wing -- The private sector -- Extreme work environments: beyond anxiety and social defence -- Corporate cultures and inner conflicts -- Defences against anxiety in the law -- Social welfare and education -- Spotlit: defences against anxiety in contemporary human service organizations -- Still not good enough! Must try harder: an exploration of social defences in schools -- Work discussion groups as a container for sexual anxieties in schools -- Social defences in nurseries and the contemporary value of the concept -- Projective identification and unconscious defences against anxiety: social work education, practice learning, and the fear of failure -- Unconscious defences against anxiety in a Youth Offending Service