Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Experiment Videos

Phallus, penis and mental space

D Birksted-Breen

    The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
    |August 1, 1996
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    This study introduces the concept of "penis-as-link," a symbolic function crucial for mental structuring and thinking. Internalizing this concept, rather than just the symbolic phallus, fosters psychological development and Oedipal recognition.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Unconscious representation of femininity.

    Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association·1996
    Same author

    Working with anorexic patient.

    The International journal of psycho-analysis·1989
    Same journal

    Letter from Oslo.

    The International journal of psycho-analysis·2026
    Same journal

    Marion Milner's foundational influence on Bion's conception of reverie and Winnicott's conception of play.

    The International journal of psycho-analysis·2026
    Same journal

    How to train psychoanalysts in our time? Exploring controversies around teleanalysis.

    The International journal of psycho-analysis·2026
    Same journal

    Gaza: another psychoanalytic perspective. Reflection on the work of Shmuel Erlich.

    The International journal of psycho-analysis·2026
    Same journal

    Introduction: Questions about internal, external and shared frames, types of loss, methods for scientific dialogue, and the sources of power and authority.

    The International journal of psycho-analysis·2026
    Same journal

    Freud, Sebald and the head of Medusa: The unconscious sense of guilt.

    The International journal of psycho-analysis·2026
    See all related articles
    JoVE
    x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
    ABOUT JoVE
    OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
    AUTHORS
    Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
    LIBRARIANS
    TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
    RESEARCH
    JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
    EDUCATION
    JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
    Terms & Conditions of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Policies

    Area of Science:

    • Psychoanalysis
    • Psychology
    • Psychiatry

    Background:

    • Distinguishing between the penis (bodily reality) and phallus (symbolic aspect) is a key psychoanalytic concept.
    • Existing distinctions may not fully capture a crucial symbolic function in psychological development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To propose and define the concept of "penis-as-link" as a distinct symbolic function.
    • To explore the role of internalizing the "penis-as-link" in psychological structuring and the development of mental space.
    • To examine the clinical implications of failing to internalize the "penis-as-link."

    Main Methods:

    • Conceptual analysis of psychoanalytic theory, particularly the work of Laplanche & Pontalis.
    • Clinical case studies illustrating the internalization of the "penis-as-link."

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Exploration of the relationship between "penis-as-link" internalization and mental space.

    • Main Results:

    • The "penis-as-link" represents a symbolic function vital for recognizing the full Oedipal situation, including parental relationships and bisexuality.
    • Internalization of the "penis-as-link" promotes mental space and the capacity for thinking.
    • A lack of "penis-as-link" internalization can lead to a fantasy-driven search for the phallus.

    Conclusions:

    • The concept of "penis-as-link" offers a more nuanced understanding of symbolic function in psychoanalysis.
    • Successful internalization of the "penis-as-link" is essential for healthy psychological development and cognitive function.
    • Clinical evidence supports the link between "penis-as-link" internalization and the development of mental space and thinking abilities.