Discussion of Richard P. Alexander's Article, Omnipotence and the Avoidance of Pleasure: A Contribution to the Problem of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety has been studied by many analysts from different points of reference. A most rewarding framework has been provided by Margaret Mahler and her co-workers who have investigated the crucial separation-individuation phase of development. Some of her ideas have been developed to include the concept of the symbiotic neurosis.

Alexander tells us that in the separation-individuation phase, the child begins to leave the mother for “various periods of time to involve himself in the external environment, e.g., discovering and exploring new objects or playing with other children.” I believe that when the mother cannot tolerate or allow the child to proceed in this separation experience, individuation and differentiation are impaired, fixation at the early childhood symbiosis occurs, and certain ego-object relationships remain distorted. This pathological state results in a symbiotic neurosis.

The maternal partner of the symbiotic dyad narcissistically over-invests the child and he becomes part of her. In some instances, this reflects the maternal phallic conflict, i.e., the male child becomes the maternal phallus. The mother becomes overly protective of this symbolic phallus, wishes to have it part of her, derives exhibitionistic pleasure from displaying it and cannot allow the child to become

autonomous. The child, on the other hand, introjects this material symbiotic tie and experiences anxiety at its dissolution.

In the course of analysis, separation, individuation, differentiation, establishment of a stable self image and narcissistic investment of this self, including the body, occurs. These patients may exhibit pathological mourning reactions in treatment which include denial, anxiety or severe depression. When the symbiotic tie is dissolved during psychoanalytic treatment, these mourning reactions may appear for the first time, or may reappear depending upon the level of separation experience that previously occurred. Dr. Alexander's patient illustrate