Body-image symbols of repression

Abstract

Data concerning the developmental factors pertaining to disturbances of the body-image are scarce and of dubious value. It appears that this deficiency stems from the absence of systematic investigative techniques. Hypnointrospection, a method of hypno-analysis which emphasizes self-perception during voluntary immobilization, is of demonstrable value in the elucidation of the problem of body-image. Hypnointrospective fragments of a case history showing the reorganization of the body-image during therapy are presented. The sequence of body-image phenomena is interpreted as an expression of attitudinal compromises among conflicting wishes implemented through neuromuscular channels. The continuous reorganization of the physical self as perceived by the patient during hypnointrospective analysis appears to be of significance for a general theory of body-image.