In the introduction I relativize the basic anthropological assumptions
used in traditional psychotherapeutical methods, due to their generally speculative
basis. I am conviced that a more serious empirical basis brings the different schools
closer to one another. As the essential foundations for a generally acceptable theoretical
foundation for the different schools, I hold out on the one hand system theory,
and on the other hand, the empirical infant research of the past 20 years. The former
creates for us the theoretical basis to understand the processes of living beings;
the latter as delivered in countless studies, provides a completely new perspective
of the capabilities and needs of a neonate, or small child. And, what is especially
important is that this new perspective works well with the considerations of system
theories. Nonetheless, numerous, perhaps even a majority of central psychoanalytical
hypotheses are called into revision.
In system theory one works on the assumption that there is no initial state which
is unorganized. Life is always connected in some kind of organization and is thereby
proceeding with regulatory activities (self and mutually regulating). With this
in mind, the examination today of neonates calls for numerous capabilities and needs.
In this lecture, thirteen such capabilities present from birth or practically so,
will be described, as will seven further capabilites which especially enable interpersonal
contact for the neonate.
Certain capabilities, or "intuitive parenting", on the part of the caretaker
are also called for, and are perhaps even genetically based. The sensiblility of
the parental reaction may be divided into four components, which will be presented
in the lecture.
The first two up to three months are mainly determined by the hetero-regulatory
activities of the caretaker, who regulates the physiological processes of the infant.
This, however, takes place within the context of a relationship; accordingly, then,
in the interaction of two subject beings, even when the subjectivity of the infant
is still rudimentarily formed in comparison. Should these regulatory processes occur
more or less regularly (for example, forming a pattern), this leads to expectations
of the motherly reactions. As the perceptions of the infant are stocked with scenes,
which in turn are composed of a self, an object, a perception and an affect, the
expectations are scenic in nature. They function as internal working models of the
world, they regulate experiences and behaviours, and accordingly, are to be designated
basic elements of that which we call psychic structure or organization.
Should the first phase be successfully mastered, a second type of contact emerges
between mother and infant which is clearly more tinted by affect. Accordingly, affective
regulatory elements of the relationship become predominant in this phase. This stirred
M. MAHLER to speak of 'symbiotic consciousness', although in the meantime there
has been a clear pulling away from this notion/term.
In light of the representations of both of these phases a general regularity of
development will be worked out (the further developmental steps can not be presented
due to lack of time). The less organized level is contained in the higher organized
level; consequently, it remains activated while, nonetheless, taking a step into
the background.
The development of higher levels of organization in the psychic structure leads
to an increased capability for self-regulation, whereas, however, hetero-regulating
elements contain fundamental meaning (which is nonetheless, not to be mistaken for
dependence).
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