Aggression and the psychological self

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychoanalysis
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• The psychological self develops in early childhood through recognizing others' mental states.
• Early negative interactions can impair the development of the reflective self.
• Aggression and avoidance are common defenses against threats to the developing self.

Observation:

• Aggression can become a primary organizing principle of the self.
• Pathological destructiveness may replace emotional connection.
• Psychoanalytic treatment focuses on enhancing the reflective self.

Findings:

• Aggression serves as a defense against threats to the psychological self.
• Inadequate development of the reflective function leads to defensive aggression or avoidance.
• Early hostile object relations can lead to the self being organized around aggression.

Implications:

• Psychoanalytic therapy can rebuild the reflective self through intersubjective processes.
• Interpretations of transference and countertransference are key therapeutic tools.
• A safe relational environment is crucial for enhancing the patient's reflective self.