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Projection and projective identification: developmental and clinical aspects.

O F Kernberg1

  • 1New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division.

Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
|January 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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This study differentiates projective identification from projection, highlighting projective identification as a primitive defense mechanism crucial in understanding personality organization and countertransference dynamics.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Psychoanalytic Theory
  • Defense Mechanisms

Background:

  • Distinguishing between projective identification and projection is essential for understanding defense mechanisms.
  • Projective identification is considered an earlier, more primitive defense than projection.
  • Both mechanisms play roles in different personality organizations.

Observation:

  • The study examines the developmental origins and adaptive functions of projective identification.
  • Cognitive preconditions for projective identification are emphasized.
  • The functions of both defenses are explored across psychotic, borderline, and neurotic personality structures.

Findings:

  • Projective identification is a primitive defense, while projection is more advanced.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Case material illustrates the diagnostic and clinical utility of projective identification.
  • Projective identification significantly impacts countertransference and transference.

    • Implications:

    • Understanding projective identification is key for diagnosing and treating personality disorders.
    • Clinical management of severe transference regression benefits from recognizing projective identification.
    • This research offers insights into the complex interplay of defenses in psychotherapy.