The ego and the world

Ferenczi’s theoretical path until the formulation of the concept of Introjection

Abstract

The concept of “introjection” is one of the most recognized contributions from Sándor Ferenczi. Formulated in 1909, it is often considered his first psychoanalytic contribution. However, when analyzing some of his previous psychoanalytical works, it is possible to identify a linearity in his thoughts regarding the inclusion of elements from the external world into the ego. In “The effect on women of premature ejaculation on men” (1908) and “Psychoanalysis and education” (1908), Ferenczi highlights how certain societal aspects are absorbed by the individual since their childhood. Then, in “Introjection and Transference” (1909), Ferenczi defends the existence of a primordial mechanism, called “introjection”, which is responsible for incorporating elements from the world early on into the ego. The aim of this study is to argue that Ferenczi elaborated an original theory on the apprehension of elements of the external world, which starts before his formulation of the concept of introjection, and to stress the relevance of rescuing his metapsychology.