Psychic health depends on orgastic potency, i.e., upon the degree to which one can surrender to and experience the climax of excitation in the natural sexual act. It is founded upon the healthy character attitude of the individual's capacity for love. Psychic illnesses are the result of a disturbance of the natural capacity for love.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Reich links psychic health to sexual climax and love, stating that disturbances in love cause mental illness.
- In plain terms
- He says mental health depends on sexual fulfillment and love; lacking love leads to illness.
- What can you take from it?
- Healthy relationships and sexual expression are viewed as essential for mental well‑being.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do modern studies view the link between sexuality and mental health?
- What other factors influence psychic health?
Another view
The theory is controversial and not widely accepted in mainstream psychology.
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