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Related Experiment Videos

Aggression and the psychological self

P Fonagy1, G S Moran, M Target

  • 1Psychoanalysis Unit, University College London.

The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|June 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Aggression can be a defense mechanism against threats to the psychological self, impacting early development. Psychoanalytic treatment can foster a healthier self by enhancing reflective capacities within a safe therapeutic relationship.

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.

Related Experiment Videos

  • 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.