Symbolization and the good object.
Some patients struggle with the acceptance of, connection to, or identification with a good object who provides a containment-symbolization function. This is manifested as a standoff, a resistance, and a denial of the good object and, therefore, of the symbolization process that is part of healthy development. This is usually due to troubled family histories and a destructive projective identification process. The ego defensively blocks acknowledgment of any symbolizing capacity within the self and within the maternal object out of envy, fear of rejection, and dread of persecution. Destruction of symbolization and the experience of goodness within the self or in the object provides an artificial respite from the threat of annihilation, yet quickly brings on even greater levels of internal chaos and anxiety. Case material is used to illustrate these points.
Waska
Robert
R
In the private practice of psychoanalysis in San Francisco, California 94979, USA. drwaska@aol.com
D000374:Aggression; D003210:Concept Formation; D004532:Ego; D006801:Humans; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012563:Schizophrenia, Paranoid / Q000628:therapy*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology; D013561:Symbolism; D014473:Unconscious, Psychology