Development terminable and interminable. II. Recent psychoanalytic theory and therapeutic considerations

This is the second part of a paper previously published in the Journal. It reviews how the formulations proposed in Part 1 are not only consistent with interdisciplinary research findings from developmental psychobiology and from infant observations, but are also consistent with a range of clinical theories of psychoanalysis. The basic motives of infancy and the motivational structures arising from early relationship development are the subject of increasing attention in psychoanalytic treatment. Aspects of the working alliance, both in the beginning and termination phases include considerations of emotional availability, the use of positive emotions, as well as the relationship 'match' between patient and analyst. These may determine outcome and are deemed worthy of further inquiry.