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The Problem of “Orality” and of its Origin in Early Childhood

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 February 2018

Frieda Goldman-Eisler
Frieda Goldman-Eisler*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry (Maudsley Hospital)
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Extract

The concept of “orality” as used in this paper indicates a certain constellation of traits or habitual reactions which are, or are assumed to be, derivatives, whether direct or modified, of behaviour patterns characteristic of early childhood. The importance of the mouth as the first erotogenic zone and as the organ generating fundamental attitudes of giving or receiving, waiting or being impatient, and hoping or despairing, has been stressed by psychoanalysis. According to psycho-analytic theory, the oral phase, that is, the first period of libidinal development, plays a most important part for later character development in as far as gratification, or frustration, of the oral impulses is assumed to have a determining influence on character-formation in later life.

Type
Part I.—Original Articles
Information
Journal of Mental Science , Volume 97 , Issue 409 , October 1951 , pp. 765 - 782
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1951 

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References

(1) Abraham, K., “The Influence of Oral Eroticism on Character-formation,” in Selected Papers, 1942. London: Hogarth Press.Google Scholar
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(6) Sharpe, , Ella, “Hamlet”, in Collected Papers on Psycho-analysis, 1950. London: Hogarth Press.Google Scholar
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