Talk:Formation

Mirror Stage and Ego Formation

The 'fragmented body' is closely linked to the concept of the mirror stage.

In the mirror stage the infant sees its reflection in the mirror as a whole/synthesis, and this perception causes, by contrast, the perception of its own body (which lacks motor coordination at this stage) as divided and fragmented.

The anxiety provoked by this feeling of fragmentation fuels the identification with the specular image by which the ego is formed.

See Also

• fragmented body
• ego
• mirror stage
• body
• lack
• fragmentation
• illusion