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Working with pathological and healthy forms of splitting: a case study.

John A Schneider1

  • 1Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, USA. drjaschneider@yahoo.com

Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
|June 18, 2003
PubMed
Summary

This study explores splitting in psychoanalysis, differentiating between primitive defense mechanisms and essential developmental processes. Understanding healthy splitting is crucial for analysts navigating transference and countertransference during impasses.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychoanalytic theory
  • Psychological development
  • Clinical psychology

Background:

  • Splitting is often viewed as a primitive defense mechanism.
  • This perspective overlooks its role in healthy emotional development and psychological maturation.
  • Distinguishing between pathological and healthy splitting is vital in analytic work.

Observation:

  • The author uses a case discussion to illustrate the concept of splitting.
  • Splitting is examined as both a primitive defense and a movement toward complex object relatedness.
  • The case highlights difficulties arising from conflating pathological and healthy forms of splitting.

Findings:

  • Healthy splitting is an important developmental step, transitioning towards ambivalence and mature integration.

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  • The analyst's ability to differentiate between pathological and healthy splitting is key during analytic impasses.
  • Understanding splitting aids in tracking and interpreting unconscious transference and countertransference dynamics.

    • Implications:

    • This nuanced view of splitting can enhance therapeutic interventions.
    • It offers a framework for understanding developmental progression within analytic therapy.
    • Recognizing healthy splitting supports analysts in managing challenging therapeutic phases.