Desire, Pain and Thought: Primal Masochism and Psychoanalytic Theory

Marilia Aisenstein's book Desire, Pain and Thought offers a new perspective on primal erotogenic masochism, which she believes develops in early childhood and is essential for the individual's survival and resilience. She argues that thought is one of the manifestations of desire, implying a painful renunciation of the object of desire. The book presents a positive understanding of masochism as "the guardian of life" and will be essential reading for psychoanalysts in practice and training.

Format: Hardback
Length: 82 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A fresh perspective on primal erotogenic masochism, which Marilia Aisenstein sees as the foundation of psychoanalytic theory, is provided by Desire, Pain, and Thought.
Aisenstein makes a distinction between pathological masochism, which involves an active pursuit of pain, and primal erotogenic masochism, which she thinks emerges in early childhood.
According to the book, a child's development of this reaction is crucial to their survival and the building of resilience. Aisenstein demonstrates that thought is one of the manifestations of desire, which entails a painful renunciation of the object of desire, using her thorough knowledge of metapsychology and her command of Freuds seminal writings.
The book offers a new understanding of masochism as "the guardian of life" by shifting away from its pathological, negative connotation to a more positive one.
Psychoanalysts in practice and training will find Desire, Pain, and Thought to be an indispensable resource.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032054629