Self‐disorder explained: Yasunaga's “Phantom Space Theory” on schizophrenia

Abstract

Abstract The present article revisits the theoretical model of schizophrenia by Hiroshi YASUNAGA (1929–2011). Yasunaga restated ego disturbance in schizophrenia as the “Pattern Reversal” between selfhood and otherness, based on British philosopher Wauchope's concept of “pattern.” This concept is meant as asymmetrical relatedness (A/B) within a pair of concepts, such as life and death, quality and quantity, and self and other, prioritizing the former (A side) over the latter (B side). When applied to the pair of self and other, the pattern is vital for human experiences, and its disruption fundamentally alters every lived experience. Subsequently, Yasunaga extended the theory of pattern and invented his original “Phantom Space Theory,” in which he postulated “Phantom Space,” an experiential space that constitutes system a (A‐side‐led and consciously determined distance) and system a' (B‐side‐dominated and extra‐consciously given distance). He then constructed a kind of neural system model composed of systems a and a', and thereby schematically presented a novel viewpoint on experiences of self and the outside world. The theory further illustrated how the hypothesized imbalance (Phantom Space shrinkage or diminished elasticity of system a') causes symptoms of schizophrenia, such as ego disturbances, auditory hallucinations, and other unspecific symptoms. This article then examines the clinical and theoretical implications of Yasunaga's psychiatric works. Phantom Space Theory is a non‐stigmatizing account of schizophrenia because it does not presuppose personal or existential causes of psychosis. The relationship between Phantom Space Theory and dual‐process theory is also explored.