These comments outline a psychoanalytic basis for communication failure from a brief review of the concepts of oral incorporation as well as the guilt derived from the process, particularly in those people frustrated in their oral needs. Some understanding of the underlying psychological problems and emotional conflicts will increase the appreciation of the role played by guilt in breaking down effective interpersonal communication.

Freud designates the first psychosexual level of development as the oral stage. During this stage the young organism is most blatantly dependent on another individual to meet its oral needs. Through the “mothering process” the infant first gains feelings of being of special importance to someone else, of belonging to someone, of being wanted,