Bodily Pain as an Organiser of the Early Self: Apropos a Series of Seventypical Cases

Abstract

Based on a series of clinical experiences characterised by patients’ attempts to prevent the examination of parts of their body experienced as the cause of chronic pain, we speculated as to what dynamics might be behind this conflict. It was postulated that, if not moderated by the mother, early pain is linked with this very same maternal introject and must be preserved as the sole remaining organising core to prevent fragmentation. These pains, which we understand as early bodily sensations, evaluate a symbolically, imaginarily or asymbolically organised phantasm that is in many cases purely phenomenal, i.e., pre-propositional. Morgenthaler’s model of a filling formation was used here as a theoretical framework. Generalising, reference is made to the coupling of drive actions and affect, according to which a drive action that is inappropriate for the affect serves to sedate the very same affect that points to a usually traumatic situation.