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Related Experiment Videos

The selfobject function of weapons: a self psychology examination.

T B Feldmann1, P W Johnson

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine.

The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Weapons can function as selfobjects, helping individuals and groups manage feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness. This psychological dynamic, rooted in self psychology, explains the idealized view and potential misuse of weapons.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Self Psychology

Background:

  • Weapons fulfill diverse roles for individuals and society.
  • A key function is serving as a selfobject for narcissistically vulnerable individuals.
  • This selfobject role aids in maintaining self-cohesion and mitigating feelings of powerlessness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the function of weapons as selfobjects within the framework of self psychology.
  • To examine how weapons help individuals and groups manage vulnerability and fragmentation.
  • To understand the psychological underpinnings of weapon idealization and potential destructive use.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis drawing on self psychology principles.
  • Examination of the selfobject transference concept as applied to weapons.

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  • Exploration of individual and collective psychological dynamics related to weapon use.

    • Main Results:

    • Weapons can be idealized by individuals with self pathology to maintain self-cohesion and control.
    • This phenomenon mirrors Kohut's concept of idealizing selfobject transference.
    • Groups, societies, and nations may use weapons to counteract collective vulnerability and fragmentation.

    Conclusions:

    • The psychological function of weapons extends beyond individual pathology to collective behavior.
    • Weapons can be utilized to manage narcissistic injury and rage on both individual and group levels.
    • Understanding weapons through the lens of self psychology offers insights into their perceived importance and use.