THE DYNAMICS OF ACTING-OUT OR PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSIVITY

Using the psychoanalytical model of ''fundamental violence'' elaborate d by Bergeret (1984), this research focuses on aggressive behavior in an attempt to understand the function of acting out as well as its dri ve dynamic and quality of object relations. Through ambivalent conflic t and the problems of fusional and defusional drives, Bergeret describ es not only the logical psychodynamic evolution towards the integratio n of the violent drives within the libidinal functioning and its ultim ate sublimation in creative and passionate endeavors, brit as well the pathological perversion of violence in aggressiveness. The latter whi ch develops later in life, is characterized by an affective ambivalenc e expressed through sadistic and masochistic tendencies. While violenc e represents a legitimate defense for survival and implies impulsivity and indifference with regards to incurrend harm, aggressiveness is ch aracterized by the intention to stifle to the other, which provokes bo th erotic satisfaction and guilty feelings.