In psychoanalytic theory, Amphimixis is the merging of pleasure-centres into an amorphous unity. The concept was proposed by Sandor Ferenczi, a student and associate of Sigmund Freud.
Sandor Ferenczi introduced the term into psychoanalysis in Thalassa (1924), where he used it to describe the process of merging of the partial drives[1] to create a diffuse state of infant and childhood pleasure.[2] Ferenczi's idea was developed by Helene Deutsch in her description of female sexuality.[3] The concept was criticised by Michael Balint for conflating forepleasure and end pleasure.[4]
Neville Symington extended the concept of amphimixis to include a central pleasure centre in the self, which provided the erotic basis for the self-love (amour propre) of the narcissist.[5]