Home Title Index Topic Index Sources Directory News Releases Sources Calendar

Self and Others

Laing, R. D.
Publisher:  Pelican Books, Baltimore, USA
Year Published:  1971   First Published:  1961
Pages:  192pp   ISBN:  0-14-02-1376-7
Resource Type:  Book

In this study of the patterns of interaction between people R.D. Laing attempts to unravel some of the knots in which we unfailingly tie ourselves. Taking his examples both from literature and case material, he shows that 'every relationship implies definition of self by other and other by self' and that if the self does not receive confirmation by its contacts with others, or if the attributions that others ascribe to it are contradictory, its position becomes untenable and it may break down.

Abstract: 
-


Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgements

Part One: Modes of Interpersonal Experience
1. Phantasy and Experience
2. Phantasy and Communication
3. Pretence and Elusion
4. The Counterpoint of Experience
5. The Coldness of Death

Part Two: Forms of Interpersonal Action
6. Complementary Identity
7. Confirmation and Disconfirmation
8. Collusion
9. False and Untenable Positions
10. Attributions and Injunctions

Appendix: A Notation for Dyadic Perspectives
Selected Bibliography
Index
Sources-journalists use the sources website to find you


AlterLinks
c/o Sources


© 2025.