Adaptive functions of affect and their implications for therapy

The adaptive functions of affects are formulated in relation to hierarchical conception of ego organization based on object-relations theory. Ego states are defined as relationship paradigms, consisting of particular self- and object representations and associated affective qualities of relatedness. Affect that is integrated in a conscious ego state as part of an experience of relatedness is distinguished from affect that occurs as an isolated mental content at the structurally subordinate level of cognition. In the latter form, affect may function as a signal of disequilibrium to the ego, potentially resulting in consolidation of the ego state in consciousness and awareness of the associated relationship. The potential signal properties of the wide range of affects are best understood on the basis of the associated object-relations paradigms. Affect provides especially useful interpretive material for both therapist and patient because of its intrinsic association to ego states and object relations. However, the fashion in many current therapies of encouraging affect expression for its own sake is often misdirected; it is better to orient the work more directly toward understanding and altering object relations.