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Psychoanalytic Theories of Affect

Author(s) : Ruth Stein

Reviews and Endorsements

'The role of affect is becoming increasingly important in psychoanalytic theory. Freud's theories of affect, in which affects were seen as derivatives of the instinctual drives, have proved to be inadequate, yet the different theories on the role and nature of affect put forward by psychoanalysis have proved equally unsatisfactory so far.

'In my opinion, this book is by far the best review of the psychoanalytic theories of affect so far available. It includes a consideration of the work of British and French analysts, normally neglected by the significant writers in this area in the United States. It takes into account the work of such non analytic writers as Tomkins, Larus, and Mandler, and teases out he implicit theory of affect embedded in the writings of Melanie Klein and her followers. This review has enabled Dr. Stein to put forward a number of formulations in regard to the requirements for developing a suitable and appropriate psychoanalytic theory of affect. In doing this work, Dr. Stein has drawn on relevant work in adjacent areas of psychology.

'The range and depth of the discussion of the problem involved in the psychoanalytic theory of affect, the eminently readable style, and the fresh critical thought manifested in this study make it a recommended book for psychoanalysts, for psychotherapists, psychologists, and indeed for all those interested in the theory of ideas.'
- Joseph Sandler, from his Foreword