The Skin-Ego

by Didier Anzieu

'Didier Anzieu (1985) theorized on the skin-ego, the first narcissistic envelope on which the feeling of well-being is based', suggesting for example that 'narcissistic personalities...possess an unusually thick skin ego; in contrast, masochistic and borderline personalities show remarkably thin skin ego'. Anzieu would extend the concept to a broader notion of "psychic envelope", exploring for example the idea of 'the dream envelope. This is the name Didier Anzieu gives to the visual dream-film, the fine, ephemeral membrane which he thinks of as replacing the tactile envelope of the ego's vulnerable skin'.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Nonfiction, Theory, Philosophy

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Gabriel Desjardins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lecture assez ardue mais qui permet d’approfondir la compréhension de ce que représente réellement le concept « d’enveloppe » ou de « contenant-conteneur-contenu » psychiques. J’aurais aimé un peu plus de vulgarisation, mais c’était somme toute riche et symboliquement pertinent. Je ne recommande pas aux lecteurs qui débute tout avec les concepts psychanalytiques.

[Sonanova · Rating 1 out of 5]

Psychoanalytic crap. I assume there is something valid about the whole ego and identity as mapped on the skin, but it was so weighed down by th awkward translation, Freudian bullshit, and mixing and mingling of case studies, including some from myths and fiction (!?). Not overly useful, as I could not find what I wanted in all of it.

[Annie Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating psychoanalytic approach to the skin as an "envelope" for the self, with really detailed case-studies, for example there is a man who let out a foul-smelling "aggressive" perspiration every time he went in for therapy.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a whole new perspective on the Myth of Marsyas.

[AM Machabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of my Master's as I have a literary focus on tactility, haptics and touch. It was an invaluable resource and his perspective was very helpful for my research.

[Camilla Fois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interessante il concetto sviluppato da Anzieu. Molto interessante, ma esposto in maniera un po' confusionaria, cosa che non considero un difetto, essendo un libro degli anni '80 (penso). Le cose da allora sono cambiate e si sono evolute, l'Io-pelle è stato importante per lo studio dei disturbi al limite, quelli che hanno pelle danneggiata, bucata o addirittura assente. Per i miei gusti di stampo troppo freudiano, avrei preferito un'approfondimento lacaniano. Ma sono pareri personali. Bel libro di psicologia. 3 stelline.
Penso sia solo per addetti ai lavori o per studenti che padroneggiano il linguaggio della psicoanalisi, ma non di divulgazione.

[Oğuzcan Önver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dermatologları daha fazla kullanmamız lazım. Etrafta pek gözükmüyor olabilirler tabii.
Gözükmeyen çok şey gibi. Birbirimizi kabul etmekten dolayı birbirimize verdiğimiz kan mesela. 

Her ruhsal işlev, işleyişini zihinsel plana taşıdığı bedensel bir işlev­den destek alarak gelişir.

Ruhsal zarın zayıflığına ya da boşluklarına bağlı olarak yaralara dayanıksızlık, kendi hayatında yer almama duygusu, bedeninin ve düşün­cesinin işleyişini dışarıdan görme, kendi varoluşu olan ve olmayan bir şeyin seyircisi olma... Listeler uzamak için var.

Ben neden her kitaba 4 yıldız vermeye başladım?

[Lila_Sta · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting approach about how skin is the shell of human psyche. There are many interesting details about the biology of skin and its function. The author presents multiple case studies, some links with collective myths and some interesting takes on mythology. Personally, I found really interesting the part about the function of belief and its vital role for human and relational wellbeing.

Note: Definately, not a book for those who are not familiar with the psychoanalytic theory and its interpetations.

[Saman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I

[Almaleh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interessant

[anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demorei quase um ano pra concluir a leitura (parei de ler por uns bons meses no meio do caminho) e tenho certeza que vou precisar reler porque tem inúmeras coisas que não entendi haha ainda assim, gostei demais desse livro! foi uma leitura obrigatória que se tornou prazerosa ao ponto de eu ficar pensando sobre e querendo voltar pra esse livro quando tava fazendo/lendo outras coisas.