A note on the assessment of idealization

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychoanalysis

Background:

• The Lerner Defense Scale assesses primitive defenses.
• Previous research on idealization using this scale yielded inconsistent findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss findings on idealization assessment.
• To compare idealization in ballet students and eating disorder patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Lerner Defense Scale.
• Examined personality variables in nonclinical (ballet students) and clinical (eating disorder patients) populations.

Main Results:

• The study yielded specific findings regarding the defense of idealization and its assessment.
• Results were compared between ballet students and eating disorder patients.

Conclusions:

• The study's findings on idealization assessment are discussed in light of recent psychoanalytic theories.
• This research contributes to understanding the complex nature of idealization as a defense mechanism.