Difference between revisions of "Anaclisis"

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The term '[[anaclisis]]' is used by [[Freud]] to describe the early relationship between the sexual and the self-preservative [[drive]]s.
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The sexual drives are not initially autonomous, and are supported by the vital functions of nutrition and protection that supple them with an [[object]] and an aim.
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The relationship between the two is most apparent in the oral activity of a child at the [[breast]]; the [[pleasure]] associated with sucking is associated with the [[need]] for nourishment, but also establishes an erotic relationship with the [[breast]].
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THe need for repeating the sexual satisfaction gradually becomes detached from the physical need as the sexual drive takes on an independent existence.
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The expression 'anaclitic oject-choice' refers to a form of object-choice in which the love-object is selected because it in some way resembles the parental figure that once provided the child with food, care and protection.
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THis is one of the two major categories of object-choice, the other being the narcissistic hcoice in which the love-object represents some aspect of the desiring subject.
  
 
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Like [[cathexis]], anaclisis is a pseudo-classical coinage; it is derived by Freud's English translator from a Greek verb meaning 'to lean on'.
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The German ''Alehnung'' derives from the commplace verb ''anlehnen ('to lean against') and has no classical overtones.
  
  

Revision as of 10:41, 11 June 2006

The term 'anaclisis' is used by Freud to describe the early relationship between the sexual and the self-preservative drives. The sexual drives are not initially autonomous, and are supported by the vital functions of nutrition and protection that supple them with an object and an aim. The relationship between the two is most apparent in the oral activity of a child at the breast; the pleasure associated with sucking is associated with the need for nourishment, but also establishes an erotic relationship with the breast. THe need for repeating the sexual satisfaction gradually becomes detached from the physical need as the sexual drive takes on an independent existence. The expression 'anaclitic oject-choice' refers to a form of object-choice in which the love-object is selected because it in some way resembles the parental figure that once provided the child with food, care and protection. THis is one of the two major categories of object-choice, the other being the narcissistic hcoice in which the love-object represents some aspect of the desiring subject.

Like cathexis, anaclisis is a pseudo-classical coinage; it is derived by Freud's English translator from a Greek verb meaning 'to lean on'. The German Alehnung derives from the commplace verb anlehnen ('to lean against') and has no classical overtones.