Childhood and infantile: conceptual differentiation and clinical implications

Abstract

Childhood corresponds the time of registration of the first traces of the experiences in the psyche. While the infantile is associated with sexuality and the unconscious, establishing itself as the brand psyche. This article consists of the master’s research aimed at investigating the foundations of psychoanalytic treatment of adults and children with the infantile as an articulator. We address the conceptual difference between childhood and infantile, pointing their theoretical relevance, as well as their impact in the clinic. Use, finally, the concept of infantile neurosis as a central element that brings in the analysis, adults and children, because it refers to the subjective structure.