What is affect for Psychoanalysis?

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

Human relationships are considered one of the most complex in the animal kingdom, due to the unfoldings that this takes. Still, every human being is capable of feeling affection Psychoanalysis has more to say about this.

Table of Contents

  • What is affect in Psychoanalysis
  • Affect in Psychology, in general
  • Why do we feel affection for someone?
  • Benefits of Affection
    • Self-esteem
    • Inclusion
    • Experiences
  • Consequences of the lack of affection
    • Sociability
    • Aggressiveness
    • Depression
  • Difference between affection, feeling, and emotion
    • Affect
    • Feeling
    • Emotion

What is affect in Psychoanalysis

At Freudian psychoanalysis For example, when the child overcomes the Oedipus Complex, it no longer has the mother's affection as its desire and the father's affection as its rival. In late childhood and early adolescence, this means turning its interest to learning, to otherthings and to other people.

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In addition, by Winnicottian psychoanalysis In time, the mother needs to disconnect a little, not be overprotective, to allow the child to allocate her affection to other things, which will be fundamental for the child's psychic development. Our Psychoanalysis Training Course 100% online addresses these ideas of Freud and Winnicott, through video lessons, handouts, lives and meetingsIn addition, it also qualifies one to act as a psychoanalyst.

Affect in Psychology, in general

In the general sense, affection is the representation of attachment from one person to another, as well as to something This tendency in a bond ends up generating affection between the parties, as well as trust, intimacy, and longing when we are far away from each other. It condenses well the love that one person feels for the other, whether in words or actions.

It is also seen as a set of psychic attributions that move through feelings, emotions and passions We can say that there is also a certain duality in this movement, because it is always accompanied by human feelings and emotions, such as joy or sadness, pain or pleasure, pleasure or displeasure, satisfaction or dissatisfaction?

Affection is a gateway for us to act humanely. Thus, thanks to it, we can demonstrate our emotions and feelings to another being. It is a bond that escapes sexual obligations, but still allows a deeper relationship between the parties .

Why do we feel affection for someone?

Going back to what was said above, the human being, as well as other animals, has a complex relationship with the environment. The interactions convey actions and thoughts that need to be catalogued and separated according to their nature. Thus, the communication between the parties is more clarified .

Affection serves to bring individuals in the same circle together or not. Through it, we convey a positive and aggregating image, informing that we accept and/or need the presence of that being This builds trust between the parties, helping to nurture a bond that can be vital to their existence.

Although of different kinds, we can find this movement of affection The human relationship with animals and vice versa is an excellent proof of this. A dog that jumps up to its owner with clear signs of happiness is an example. A cat that rubs its own body around its owner is also an example of affection.

Benefits of Affection

Affection goes much further than it seems, bringing benefits to those who practice it and to those who receive it Although it is not tangible, it can produce chemical reactions that directly affect the body and mind. Each person will feel its benefits differently, even though it results in the same pathways.

Check out some of the most notable benefits:

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Self-esteem

Self-esteem is one of the most visible benefits, since being affectionate to someone makes that individual feel loved and welcomed. In this way, he will feel more important to someone or something It is very noticeable in teenagers, due to their insecurity with the new world, as well as in the elderly, since they are unfortunately socially marginalized.

Inclusion

Even if we forget, the world is also made up of groups, intentionally or unintentionally. Whether due to cultural, social, or geographical differences, we are induced to belong to a pack, which can be difficult for some. When we are affectionate with someone, we create a bond with them, giving them an image that they are welcome in that circle .

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Experiences

Being affectionate gives you new experiences As every channel has two sides, there is an exchange between the parties. You put what you have into that person or project and you also receive it back, enriching your passage.

Consequences of the lack of affection

Just as their presence gives benefits, there are also consequences with their absence. Interactive relationships can decline if affection is denied, both in sending and receiving. Some of the consequences are:

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Sociability

People who do not participate in affectionate bonds have difficulty relating to others Without constant, gentle contact with other people, they tend to withdraw, The constancy of this movement makes them absent the need to be sociable.

Aggressiveness

Even in childhood, when a child is denied an affectionate action, this generates marks. Without this encouragement to shape his emotions, the little one tends to rebel and generate an aggressive individual Moreover, he starts to see this bond in a negative way when someone practices it close to him.

Depression

The lack of affection can go much further, causing the depression disorder. Being affectionate with someone allows for a recycling of emotions Thanks to this, we are happier and more willing to live and do in society.

However, when this is denied, it generates a feeling of self-repression. We can become depressed and withdrawn beings. Without the necessary wheel, we stop moving our actions, relationships, and thoughts We end up losing total interest in the day to day.

Difference between affection, feeling, and emotion

There is some confusion in classifying these three movements. Many people are confused by the nature of these three elements, which is normal. However, they have different origins and directions, although they can complement each other :

Affect

It is directly related to something that affects us, being a tendency to respond positively or not to experiences. It is connected with the ability to give and receive, to disturb something or be disturbed, as well as to love and be loved .

Feeling

These are internal and very private movements. Although they are of low intensity, they are quite prolonged in duration It is believed that it originates when we are conscious of our emotions.

Emotion

Emotions are a direct result of a cause, originating from some object. They are perfectly observable in the external world, with specific bodily reactions Although they are short-lived, they are quite intense, and vary according to the individual.

Being affectionate is a movement toward sociability. Through this, we can express how we feel about the other person, gaining their friendship, trust, and also loyalty It is something reciprocal, that includes and transforms, and is a fundamental part in someone's development.

Still, even with that amount of movement, it is something that is not tangible in theory. In case it helps to think, it resembles a cloud. We are fully aware that it exists and is there, but we cannot reach it directly, and can only feel its effects. .

If you would like to understand more about this and other topics, enroll in our online Clinical Psychoanalysis course, which is now open for registration. We know that at first they may seem difficult to understand, which is why we focus on a psychoanalytic teaching methodology that aims to bring together all those interested, immersing them in the fundamentals and theories of therapy.

In this way, you can achieve mental elevation with your studies, better understanding the principle of human relationships, which includes affection The classes follow your rhythm, since they are given online and you study when and where you want, in the most extensive and complete course in the form of handouts, video classes and live meetings. And the best part: the price is very affordable.

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George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.