title: A skin for the imaginal.
abstract: This paper focuses on the development of internal space, the evolution of psychological boundaries and the capacity for symbolization as they first arise during infancy. The concept of the psychic skin as an early form of psychological boundary is presented. The development of the psychic skin, or psychological container, is necessary for imaginal processes to function for the purpose of psychological growth and development. Infant observation material utilizing the Tavistock model and analytical material from an adolescent analysis is presented to help elucidate the theoretical concepts.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019370:Observation; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D013561:Symbolism