57 Individual and collective suffering of organisational failures in containment Individual and collective suffering of organisational failures in containment: Searching for a model to explore protomental dynamics By RichaRd MoRgan-Jones and nuno ToRRes Socio-Analysis 12: 2010 (57 - 75) In this article, boundary phenomena in groups and organisations are explored using both literal experience and the metaphor of skin that can be breached when shame or tact are lacking. One pathway researches how organisations can contribute to psychosomatic group diseases associated with the failed containment of shameless aggression and thus the failed creation of an internalised reliable container. A second pathway describes the emotional experience of having and belonging to an organisation with its own skin. We deine how rigid, impinging or lax containment in organisations fail to meet the dependency needs of members making them vulnerable to group diseases. Keywords: Group skin, group disease, failed containment, protomental, psycho-dermatology, shameless violations. 1 An earlier version of this paper was given to ISPSO Symposium “Differences at Work: Towards Integration and Containment”: Toledo 26-28 June 2009, under the title: Under the skin of the organisation: Violation and shamelessness– searching for a model to explore protomental dynamics. I’ve got you under my skin I’ve got you deep in the heart of me So deep in my heart, that you’re really a part of me I’ve got you under my skin I’ve tried so not to give in I’ve said to myself this affair never will go so well But why should I try to resist, when baby I know so well That I’ve got you under my skin I’d sacriice anything come what might For the sake of having you near In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night And repeats, repeats in my ear Don’t you know you fool, you never can win Use your mentality, wake up to reality But each time I do, just the thought of you Makes me stop before I begin ‘cause I’ve got you under my skin Cole Porter