Toward a unified field theory of libido and aggression: introducing Delta as the singular id dynamic in drive theory.

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Title: Toward a unified field theory of libido and aggression: introducing Delta as the singular id dynamic in drive theory.
Authors: Juni, Samuel (AUTHOR)
Source: International Forum of Psychoanalysis. Jun2025, Vol. 34 Issue 2, p67-80. 14p.
Subjects: Unified field theories, Object relations, Ego (Psychology), Libido, Vignettes
Abstract: Although tension reduction is a key principle in drive theory, there are clear dynamic aspects of libido expression aimed at increased tension levels. In a paradigmatic shift from the Freudian conflict model, tension reduction and tension enhancement dynamics are re-conceptualized as valences toward the processes of tension reduction and tension enhancement, rather than toward the respective states of reduced tension or enhanced tension. We posit a unitary direction-independent foundational id drive toward tension level change which incorporates tension reduction and enhancement. As the primary drive circumscribed to manipulations of id tension level, the dynamics of Delta are distinguished from those of Eros and Thanatos whose purviews are in the domain of drive purpose/function (or evolutionary design) and also differentiated from the subjective phenomenological experience of drive expression which varies among people. Theoretical and clinical issues in sexuality and aggression are critically analyzed as entailing libidinal elements of tension enhancement and reduction. Key points are annotated with illustrative clinical vignettes. The intersections between Delta dynamics, ego psychology, and object relations are explored. Possible elaborations of sub-drive development entailing functional autonomy are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Forum of Psychoanalysis is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Toward a unified field theory of libido and aggression: introducing Delta as the singular id dynamic in drive theory.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Juni%2C+Samuel%22">Juni, Samuel</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Forum+of+Psychoanalysis%22">International Forum of Psychoanalysis</searchLink>. Jun2025, Vol. 34 Issue 2, p67-80. 14p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Unified+field+theories%22">Unified field theories</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Object+relations%22">Object relations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Ego+%28Psychology%29%22">Ego (Psychology)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Libido%22">Libido</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Vignettes%22">Vignettes</searchLink>
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  Data: Although tension reduction is a key principle in drive theory, there are clear dynamic aspects of libido expression aimed at increased tension levels. In a paradigmatic shift from the Freudian conflict model, tension reduction and tension enhancement dynamics are re-conceptualized as valences toward the processes of tension reduction and tension enhancement, rather than toward the respective states of reduced tension or enhanced tension. We posit a unitary direction-independent foundational id drive toward tension level change which incorporates tension reduction and enhancement. As the primary drive circumscribed to manipulations of id tension level, the dynamics of Delta are distinguished from those of Eros and Thanatos whose purviews are in the domain of drive purpose/function (or evolutionary design) and also differentiated from the subjective phenomenological experience of drive expression which varies among people. Theoretical and clinical issues in sexuality and aggression are critically analyzed as entailing libidinal elements of tension enhancement and reduction. Key points are annotated with illustrative clinical vignettes. The intersections between Delta dynamics, ego psychology, and object relations are explored. Possible elaborations of sub-drive development entailing functional autonomy are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
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  Data: <i>Copyright of International Forum of Psychoanalysis is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1080/0803706X.2024.2421794
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 14
        StartPage: 67
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Unified field theories
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Object relations
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Ego (Psychology)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Libido
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Vignettes
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: Toward a unified field theory of libido and aggression: introducing Delta as the singular id dynamic in drive theory.
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              M: 06
              Text: Jun2025
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              Y: 2025
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              Value: 34
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