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Some observations on reality testing as a clinical concept

S M Abend

    The Psychoanalytic Quarterly
    |April 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary

    Reality testing is a complex ego function, not simply intact or defective. This study highlights its variability across individuals and its connection to unconscious conflicts in psychoanalysis.

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    Area of Science:

    • Psychology
    • Psychoanalysis
    • Ego Psychology

    Background:

    • Reality testing is often oversimplified in clinical and theoretical contexts.
    • Existing frameworks may inaccurately categorize reality testing as globally intact or defective.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To present reality testing as a complex, variable ego function.
    • To explore the relationship between reality testing and unconscious conflicts.
    • To address issues in the psychoanalytic treatment of disturbed reality testing.

    Main Methods:

    • Conceptual analysis of ego psychology principles.
    • Clinical case illustrations.
    • Discussion of psychoanalytic technical issues.

    Main Results:

    • Reality testing demonstrates significant variability in normal, neurotic, and borderline individuals.
    • Concretizing the mechanisms of reality testing can lead to conceptual and clinical errors.
    • Unconscious conflicts across developmental phases significantly influence reality testing.

    Conclusions:

    • Reality testing should not be viewed as a monolithic function.
    • Understanding its variability and links to unconscious conflict is crucial for accurate assessment and treatment.
    • Psychoanalytic technique must adapt to the complexities of disturbed reality testing.

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