The Primitive Edge of Experience

by Thomas H. Ogden

Ogden constructs an anatomy and physiology of the psychic apparatus based on the interplay of the depressive, the paranoid-schizoid and the autistic - contiguous positions. The last position is his unique creation and refer to a primitive mode of experiencing that involves the moulding and shaping of boundaries.

Genres: Psychoanalysis, Psychology, Nonfiction

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Sanja]

If you really like to go deep into human psyche, to presymbolical state of a mind in being, far before it can be called mind, then you should definitely read this book.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine at Pacifica Grad. Inst. turned me on to Ogden during my doctoral program. Ogden's work on the autistic-contiguous position is so interesting, well-explained, and imaginative. Check out his articles, too, on the web.

[Lane Willson]

This book was recommended reading in a neuro/psych eval of one of my patients. Fun, fun, fun till Freud takes my psyche away!

[Nicholas Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic work! The author does not only a great job summarizing the nuances of the paranoid-schizoid and depressive positions, but really brings things together by conceptualizing the autistic-contiguous position. In many ways I see this position as an essential missing piece in the equation of mental health. I also appreciate how the author describes the position from the perspective of dialectical interplay as opposed to sequential developmental phases. Recommended for anyone interested in an advanced read on object relations principles.

[MS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great if you love Object Relations.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting analysis of haunted psyche.

[Rachel copper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written so clearly and explores such depth and complexity that it makes me want to read everything Thomas Ogden has ever written. I will keep coming back to this