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Life crisis and the body within
P Lorenzi1, M C Hardoy, P L Cabras
1Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Florence, Italy. p.lorenzi@dfc.unifi.it
Psychopathology
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Body involvement, encompassing biological and mental aspects, is crucial during existential critical periods. This connection significantly impacts self-identity construction and maintenance, particularly during life transitions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Existential critical periods involve significant identity modifications.
- Body involvement encompasses biological and mental representation dimensions.
- This involvement is linked to clinical conditions like somatoform disorders and anorexia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of body involvement during existential critical periods.
- To understand the connection between the 'experienced body' and self-identity.
- To analyze the psychogenetic significance of body involvement in identity formation.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of body involvement.
- Exploration of psychogenetic perspectives.
- Review of clinical conditions related to body image and identity.
Main Results:
- Body involvement is a key factor in self-identity construction and maintenance.
- Existential critical periods heighten the importance of the 'experienced body'.
- Disruptions in body involvement are associated with specific psychiatric disorders.
Conclusions:
- The 'experienced body' plays a vital role in maintaining self-identity during critical life phases.
- Understanding body involvement offers insights into psychosomatic and identity disorders.
- Psychogenetic factors underscore the significance of embodied experience in psychological development.