Spontaneity A Psychoanalytic Inquiry

Psychoanalytic theory frequently explains psychopathology from the perspective of either inadequate early care or as the result of environmental factors. In this book the author suggests that poor mental health can be a result of our incapacity to respond to internal and external stimuli, and indicates that spontaneity is essential in the development of many aspects of the self. It is not what happens to us, but how we react to events, that forms who we are.Spontaneity presents an original approach to issues of agency, spontaneity and creativity in psychoanalysis by exploringquestions including: active internalisation paradox forgiveness responsibility empathy self de-creation. This book will be essential reading for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, philosophers and psychologists. It will also prove to be engaging for those interested in psychoanalytic theory and theories of subjectivity.

Introductory Remarks. Rethinking Internalization. The Function of Paradox. Subjective Agency – And Passivity. The Problem of Entitlement. Actions and Reactions. The Question of Forgiveness. The Questfor Responsibility. Empathy and Sympathy. Self Formation and Self-Decreation.

Gemma Corradi Fiumara is a former professor of philosophy at the Third University of Rome and a training analyst with the Italian Psychoanalytic Society. Her previous books includeThe Symbolic Function,The Other Side of Language,The Metaphoric Process andThe Mind's Affective Life.