A psychoanalytic theory of infantile experience : conceptual and theoretical reflections

Bibliographic Information

A psychoanalytic theory of infantile experience : conceptual and theoretical reflections

E. Gaddini ; edited by Adam Limentani ; foreword by Robert S. Wallerstein

(New library of psychoanalysis, 16)

Tavistock/Routledge, 1992

  • : pbk

Other Title

A psychoanalytic theory of infantile experience : conceptual and clinical reflections

Available at  / 8 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Volume

ISBN 9780415074346

Description

Eugenio Gaddini (1916-85) was a pioneer within the Italian psychoanalytic movement. His research into psychic conflicts in adult patients led him to realize that most archaic and primitive mental processes were close to body functions. Focusing his research on the psycho-physical syndromes of early infancy, he then sought to determine which particular functions contribute to the creation of the mind. For this edited collection of Gaddini's papers, Adam Limentani has selected those covering three main themes: imitation, which Gaddini saw as a central factor in early development; ego formation - the process of instinctual drive arousal and the awareness of separateness from the object; and the way the body becomes meaningful to the mind. In each paper Gaddini supports his hypotheses with ample clinical material. Limentani's interpretative and explanatory introduction discusses what Gaddini and Winnicott had in common and where they differed; the points of contact and difference with Kleinian theories; Gaddini's view of imitiation in the development of the mind; and his approach to psychosomatic medicine. Above all Limentani stresses Gaddini's originality and independence of thought.
Volume

: pbk ISBN 9780415074353

Description

Eugenio Gaddini, a pioneer within the Italian psychoanalytical movement, devoted a lifetime of research to the organization of infantile mental life. In this edited collection of his papers Dr Adam Limentani introduces Gaddini's key theories showing how they are closely linked to, but different from, the thinking of Phyllis Greenacre, Donald Winnicott and Melanie Klein. These ideas are of great clinical relevance for the treatment of adult patients, particularly in the understanding of psychosomatic disorders. The richness of the clinical evidence with which Gaddini supports his hypothesis, and the originality of his conceptions make this a rewarding and stimulating book for the practicing analyst and psychotherapist.

Table of Contents

Wallerstein, Foreword. Acknowledgements. Limentani, Introduction. On Imitation (1969). Aggression and the Pleasure Principle: Towards a Psychoanalytic Theory of Aggression (1972). Beyond the Death Instinct: Problems of Psychoanalytic Research on Aggression (1972). Formation of the Father and the Primal Scene (1974). On Father Formation in Early Childhood Development (1976). Therapeutic Technique in Psychoanalysis: Research, Controversies and Evolution (1975). The Invention of Space in Psychoanalysis (1976). Notes on the Mind-body Question (1980). Early Defensive Fantasies and the Psychoanalytical Process (1981). Acting Out in the Psychoanalytic Session (1982). The Pre-symbolic Activity of the Infant Mind (1984). The Mask and the Circle (1985). Changes in Psychoanalytic Patients up to the Present Day (1984). Bibliography. Name Index. Subject Index.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Related Books: 1-1 of 1

Details

Page Top