Heinz Kohut's self psychology: an overview
Abstract
In the 16 years since its inception, self psychology has provided a comprehensive theory of psychopathology and treatment. It has articulated a new group of developmental needs and transferences: mirroring, idealizing, and alter ego. The failure of parental empathy to meet those needs during childhood results in the inability to develop intrapsychic structures that can reliably regulate self-esteem and calm the self, leaving the person overly dependent on those in the surround to provide those functions. Treatment requires careful understanding of the early failures and provides an environment in which the intrapsychic structures may belatedly and effectively develop.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).