The psychoanalysis-neurosciences interface: A proposal for a hypothetical unification of psychoanalytic models

Abstract

ABSTRACT Grotstein’s concept of projective transidentification led the author to reconsider the reasons that have led to the plurality of psychoanalytic models. The solution proposed is the existence of a fundamental frontal-occipital oscillatory dynamic, responsible for the projective-introjective dynamic that is at the basis of psychoanalytic theory and, at the same time, of the development and maintenance of mother–infant attunement. Such an oscillatory dynamic, according to this perspective, operates as a “bridge” between two seminal theoretical models of development – the psychoanalytic and the infant research model. A set of neurological hypotheses regarding how maternal interaction may act to modify the infant’s projective-introjective dynamic and general brain development is proposed. The different possible modifications of this dynamic offer an explanation of the variety and complexity of psychoanalytic models and the opportunity for a unitary approach, both clinical and theoretical. Given that it is considered to be the basis for cerebral activity, the oscillatory dynamic appears intrinsically connected with the default mode network’s functions of Self-cohesiveness and environmental monitoring, suggesting an important interface between psychoanalysis and the neurosciences.