Intersubjectivity is a process of “continuous and reciprocal interactions and exchanges typical of humain beings from their first days of life” (p.xv), in which humans come to know each other’s mind, after Bruner’s phrase.

The authors (a developmental psychoanalyst and a neurobiologist) insist on the necessity to adopt a multidisciplinary anti-reductionistic approach:

“The progress of research in molecular genetics, endocrinology, and neurobiology will be integrated and confronted with psychological and psychopathological research. In a number of research domains, multidirectional and interactional models are nowadays substituting reductionistic and unilinear models and emphasizing gene-environment interactions and epigenome relation experiences.” p.xv

The theoretical choices adopted by both authors are heterodox:

Importance of mirror-neurons, at the level of neural description, embodied simulation at the level of cognitive workings, empathic resonance typical of parents at the level of behavioral paradigms.

Therefore, according to the authors, “a new model of intersubjectivity emerges from the joint application of a developmental psychodynamic perspective and an embodied cognitive neuroscientific approach, which sheds new light on the birth of intersubjectivity, the main theme of the book.” (p.xvi).

The material used is various and fascinating:  interviews, figures, graphics, schemata and some paintings from the Renaissance

It should be underwritten too that this is a difficult reading, for advanced readers, in neurobiology, philosophy of mind, psychology, psychiatry.

In the first chapter, a multidisciplinary approach of the topic of intersubjectivity is defended, before to argue at length for a new integrated theory of intersubjectivity (ch.2- ch.6)

Chapters 7 and 8 may be read alone by clinicians and professionals working with parents and children.

The chapter 2 deals with the evolutionary origins of maternal care. It is taking into account the new ways of making a family, and is not therefore confined to the mother-father pattern.

The chapter 3 deals with the maternal-fetal attachment. The theory of attachment (Bowlby) is playing an important role in this book.

The chapter 4 extends the circle of care, by looking at the role of fathers and co-parenting during pregnancy and the postnatal period. System perspective and psychoanalytical perspective are confronted.

The chapter 5 provides us with a very useful and handy review of research on the caring mother’s brain. It is possible to read it alone.

In the chapter 6, the target of the book is treated, that is the model of the rise of the primary matrix of intersubjectivity. The theory of attachment is discussed. It must be prolonged towards a theory of intersubjectivity. There is no secured attachment without a secured “we”.

Chapter 7 and 8, which can certainly be read alone, are less theoretical.

Chapter 7 explores the negative impact of parental stress on the infant’s development.

Chapter 8 gives some directions for using these findings in situations where an intervention in the relation between parents and children is needed.

I will conclude by saying that the book is certainly fascinating and the authors amidst the most knowledgeable in all those various fields, and is giving very strong reasons for the kind of multidisciplinary approach which is developed.

 

© 2014 Christophe Al-Saleh

 

Christophe Al-Saleh, Université de Picardie, France