Analysis of Developmental Trauma

Abstract

In this paper, a model that attempts to integrate ego psychology, drive-conflict theory, somatic psychology, object relations, and self-psychology in analysis of developmental trauma, is presented. Latest findings of neuroscience are presented to support the proposed integrated model, and it is shown that, based on this model, character structure can be viewed as a result of developmental trauma. Formal definitions of emotions, feelings, and affects based on the theory of complex dynamical systems and energy exchange, as well as neuroscience are presented. The importance of shame in formation of developmental trauma is also discussed and supporting material from neuroscience is provided. The complementary nature of conflict psychology and psychology of the self, within the proposed integrated model, is discussed with implications to body psychotherapy in general and bioenergetic analysis in particular.