Am J Psychiatry 1987; 144:1-9
Copyright © 1987 by American Psychiatric Association
Heinz Kohut's self psychology: an overview
HS Baker and MN Baker
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.
