The Affective Core Self and Affective Identity

The aim of the chapter is to introduce two complementary types of retroactive constitution of sense, namely the implicit or bodily and the conscious or narrative ways of retroactive self-understanding. Drawing on psychoanalytical and phenomenological insights, the chapter argues that an affective identity is constituted by the underlying processes of implicit-bodily and conscious-narrative self-understanding. The distinction between the implicit and explicit process of retroactive sense-making entails a phenomenologically oriented model of psychointegration, including Freud’s insights into the afterwardsness of psychic trauma. Thus, the chapter also reflects on the complex relationship between the traumatic event and traumatic experiences. Finally, the chapter clarifies the concept of the affective core self.