ABSTRACT
This chapter conveys the importance of expanding Reich’s character types to incorporate a contemporary developmental paradigm. Reich’s system focused on the psychosexual stage, designated as the neurotic phase marked by Oedipal conflict. Although recognizing the significance of earlier phase difficulties, Reich did not designate pre-oedipal types except superficially. James Masterson contributed a personality disorder typology based on object relations theory and early attachment configurations. He included discussion of neurosis and differentiates neurotics from the Disorders of the Self. With the combination of Reich and Masterson the typology is complete. The therapist is supplied with a clear map with which to discriminate each patient’s character. The author delineates early childhood developmental phases up to age three, citing the research of Margaret Mahler. Case examples illustrate how ruptures in these various phases cause a predisposition to personality disorders. The author defines Masterson’s concept of the self. Masterson included the research of Dr. Allan Schore, who integrates neurobiologic brain development and attachment theory with the development of the self. This theory supports Reich’s concept of body/character armor as having an effect on health or disease in the mature organism. The impact of early stress is now indicated as a precursor to the development of life threatening physical diseases and chronic symptoms.
