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How Is "I-Thou" Relationship Presented? Echoes in Relational-Intersubjective Psychoanalysis
Wei Zhang1,2, Yanxi Piao3
1School of Philosophy and Sociology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. zhangweipsy@163.com.
Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science
|May 31, 2026
Summary
Martin Buber's "I-Thou" philosophy aligns with relational psychoanalysis, highlighting mutual recognition in dialogue. This connection is explored through smooth and difficult interactions, emphasizing communication and repair for healing encounters.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Dialogue
- Psychoanalysis
- Intersubjectivity
Background:
- Martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue offers a framework for understanding human connection.
- Relational-intersubjective psychoanalysis explores the nuances of therapeutic relationships.
- The intersection of these fields remains underexplored, limiting a comprehensive understanding of dialogue in therapeutic contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the resonances between Martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue and relational-intersubjective psychoanalysis.
- To elucidate how the
- I-Thou
- relationship concept applies to psychoanalytic interactions.
- To bridge the communication gap between philosophical and psychoanalytic discourse.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis comparing Buber's philosophy with relational-intersubjective psychoanalytic theory.
- Examination of the
- I-Thou
- relationship through the lens of mutual recognition in both smooth and challenging interactions.
- Integration of research on nonverbal communication in infancy and micro-level intersubjective interactions.
Main Results:
- The
- I-Thou
- relationship manifests as mutual recognition, crucial for both harmonious and conflicted interactions.
- Relational psychoanalysis extends Buber's ideas by emphasizing nonverbal infant communication and micro-level intersubjectivity.
- Evidence supports Buber's concept of "healing through encounter" via interactive and self-regulation.
Conclusions:
- Buber's philosophy provides a valuable theoretical foundation for understanding relational psychoanalysis.
- The integration highlights the significance of nonverbal communication and micro-level interactions in therapeutic healing.
- Further exploration can enhance the synergy between dialogue philosophy and psychoanalytic practice.
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