Affect and Neuroplasticity
This post cross-references affect theory with the work of a very influential author in the realm of brain science, and concludes that “Tomkins was ahead of the curve in understanding human cognition, especially in integrating disparate areas of science and research with... Read More
The Depressive Posture
Excerpt from: Emotional Rescue: Shame and the Depressive Posture in George Eliot by Joseph Adamson, McMaster University, June 29, 2009 Vulnerability to both shame and the longing for approval and love is the core of what Silvan Tomkins has called the “depressive... Read More
When Love is Thwarted by Intellectualization
Within the world of marital and family therapy, the topic of communication and how to enhance it is of primary concern. In the affect theory paradigm of Tomkins, the clear communication of affect from within the inmost self is the... Read More
The Case Against Depression
The wife of a 42-year-old physician pushes him to call for an urgent appointment. He is described as suicidally depressed, has rejected all offers of help, but agrees to see me later that day. Within minutes of beginning our initial... Read More
