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The Prenatal in Lacan's Borromean Knot.
Lutz Goetzmann1, Ludwig Janus2
1Institute of Philosophy, Psychoanalysis and Cultural Studies (IPPK), Maybachufer 20, 12047, Berlin, Germany. goetzmann@ippk.de.
American Journal of Psychoanalysis
|March 4, 2026
Summary
Prenatal experiences shape individuals, influencing consciousness before birth. This study links Lacanian psychoanalysis with pre- and perinatal psychology, introducing the "phenoreal" concept.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychology
Background:
- Pre- and perinatal psychology highlights the formative impact of prenatal and birth experiences.
- Otto Rank identified birth trauma and its psychological effects.
- Lacanian psychoanalysis explores the concept of the Real, characterized by a lack of symbolization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential relationship between Lacan's Real and the Prenatal.
- To propose a model for understanding pre-symbolic consciousness in the unborn.
- To bridge conceptual and clinical insights between pre- and perinatal psychology and Lacanian psychoanalysis.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis linking psychoanalytic theories.
- Integration of concepts from pre- and perinatal psychology and Lacanian psychoanalysis.
- Introduction of novel terminology ('phenomenal' consciousness, 'phenoreal' effect).
Main Results:
- The unborn may develop a 'phenomenal' consciousness that registers the effects of the Real.
- The dynamic interaction between the Real and phenomenal consciousness is termed 'phenoreal'.
- Freud's concept of 'afterwardness' facilitates later symbolic representation of these early experiences.
Conclusions:
- Establishing a link between the Prenatal and the Lacanian Real offers new perspectives.
- The proposed 'phenoreal' concept can enhance understanding of early psychological development.
- This interdisciplinary approach promises conceptual and clinical advancements in both fields.
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