On Winnicott’s concept of trauma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Winnicott’s clinical-theoretical matrix constitutes a distinction in underlying basic principles from both the Freudian and Kleinian models. In essence, Winnicott’s concept of trauma is entirely related to the vicissitudes of the early psychic parent–infant relationship in which the mother’s role is fundamental for the development of the newborn’s psyche at the beginning and subsequently. While Winnicott acknowledges the difference between physical and psychic trauma, his focus is on how the interpsychic relationship, psyche to nascent psyche, contributes to the infant’s intrapsychic world. Thus, early trauma is caused by psychic transmissions that emanate through and because of the mother’s affective states of mind towards her fetus-becoming-an-infant and her infant-becoming-a-child. The earlier that psychic trauma occurs in the nascent psyche, the more severe the outcome of the individual’s mental health. This is why Winnicott refers to psychosis as an environmental deficiency disease as distinct from psychotic defences. The author outlines Winnicott’s key concepts that are intrinsic to his theory of trauma i.e. the antisocial tendency, fear of breakdown and regression. These concepts are woven into the fabric of Winnicott’s theoretical matrix and highlight his perspective on psychoanalysis as a therapeutic treatment for all levels of psychic trauma.