title: Cognitive and interactive aspects of splitting.
abstract: The author discusses splitting, the segregation of multiple inner schemata of self and others, from the points of view of cognitive structure, cognitive process, anad interpersonal transaction. A case example illustrates how one borderline patient shifted fluidly during therapy among four isolated and sometimes incompatible representations of the doctor-patient relationship. The author concludes that therapists working with borderline patients must be aware of atypical transference patterns and may have to introduce, as a special nuance of therapy, work to stabilize patients' realistic self- and therapist images before offering interpretations.
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009289:Narcissism; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D012649:Self Concept; D014167:Transference, Psychology