Neurotic dependency is a manifestation of the ego's mediation in intrapsychic conflict and must be understood primarily in terms of regression rather than fixation. The primary conflict involves sadistic impulses, particularly oedipal in origin. Countertransference reactions generally stem from the therapist's unresolved oedipal conflict and tend to reinforce dependency under the guise of "the will to cure." Against this resistance in particular the therapist must strive to maintain his therapeutic self-discipline.Abstract Teaser