The adaptation of the individual to the external world according to Sándor Ferenczi’s theory

Abstract

This article analyze and discuss Sándor Ferenczi's theory on the adaptation of the individual to the e external world. Starting from the hypotheses towards the transition from the pleasure principle to the reality principle, the author contributes to the comprehension of important aspects regarding the psychic development. His theory aims to elucidate how the adaptation of the individual to the external world occurs, both in its egoic and erotic aspects. He broaches the adaptive processes along with ontogenetic and phylogenetic considerations. We conclude that Ferenczi developed an original metapsychological theory on the adaptation of the individual to the external world and that his metapsychological conceptions deserve greater attention and spreading, so his importance to the psychoanalytical movement can receive its deserved recognition.