The Divided Self

book by Laing

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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R.D. Laing's book, The Divided Self (1960), explores his alternative approach to schizophrenia. Laing theorized that a person experiencing "ontological insecurity," or a fundamental lack of certainty about their own existence, may develop a defensive reaction. This reaction causes the self to split into separate components, leading to the psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia.1

Laing was critical of conventional treatments like hospitalization and electroshock therapy. His work, influenced by existentialist philosophy's focus on individual existence and relationships, suggested that mental illness could be a response to the individual's environment and family dynamics.12

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R.D. Laing
In his first book, The Divided Self (1960), he theorized that ontological insecurity (insecurity about one’s existence) prompts a defensive reaction in which the self splits into separate components, thus generating the psychotic symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia. He was opposed to the standard treatments for schizophrenics, such as hospitalization…
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In his first book, The Divided Self (1960), he theorized that ontological insecurity (insecurity about one’s existence) prompts a defensive reaction in which the self splits into separate components, thus generating the psychotic symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia. He was opposed to the standard treatments for schizophrenics, such as hospitalization…
Read More