Psychoanalytic & Ego Psychology

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Questions and Answers

Within Kleinian object relations theory, which of the following best exemplifies the concept of 'projective identification' in the context of early childhood development?

A defense mechanism wherein the infant disavows unacceptable impulses by attributing them to external objects without altering the original impulse or experiencing any change in self-perception.
The infant's unconscious splitting of the object (e.g., caregiver) into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ aspects, followed by the projection of the ‘bad’ aspects onto the caregiver, influencing the caregiver to behave in accordance with those projections, which are then re-introjected by the infant. (correct)
A cognitive process where the infant, through repeated interactions, develops a stable and integrated representation of the caregiver, enabling the infant to anticipate the caregiver's responses and regulate their own behavior accordingly.
An infant's innate capacity to accurately perceive and internalize the caregiver's emotional state, fostering a symbiotic relationship based on mutual understanding and shared affect.

In the context of Freudian psychoanalysis, which of the following statements best captures the dynamic interplay between the id, ego, and superego in an individual exhibiting compulsive behavior?

The ego integrates the id's primal urges with the superego's ethical dictates, resulting in a harmonious psychic equilibrium expressed through controlled, methodical actions that enhance personal well-being and social adaptation.
The id's unrestrained impulses directly manifest as compulsive acts, bypassing the ego's reality-testing functions and the superego's moral constraints due to underdeveloped psychic structures.
The superego dominates the psychic apparatus, imposing rigid moral standards that lead to compulsive adherence to rules and rituals, effectively suppressing the id's instinctual drives and the ego's capacity for adaptive functioning.
The ego defensively employs compulsive rituals to manage overwhelming anxiety arising from unconscious conflicts between the id's aggressive or sexual impulses and the superego's punitive demands, thus preventing conscious awareness of the underlying conflict. (correct)

How could one differentiate object relations theory from traditional psychoanalytic theory?

Traditional psychoanalytic theory posits that human motivation stems primarily from innate drives, whereas object relations theory emphasizes the role of early relationships in shaping personality structure. (correct)
Traditional psychoanalytic theory prioritizes the resolution of interpersonal conflicts, whereas object relations theory centers on the individual's struggle for self-actualization.
Traditional psychoanalytic theory views the therapist as an empathetic participant, whereas object relations theory sees the therapist as a neutral observer.
Traditional psychoanalytic theory emphasizes the role of conscious thought processes in shaping behavior, while object relations theory focuses on the impact of unconscious fantasies.

In the context of Self Psychology as articulated by Heinz Kohut, which of the following best illustrates the therapeutic action of 'optimal frustration' in facilitating the development of a cohesive self?

The therapist empathically attunes to the patient's needs but allows for inevitable failures in mirroring and idealization, prompting the patient to develop internal structures for self-soothing and regulation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What's the most significant divergence between Anna Freud's approach to ego psychology and Sigmund Freud's original psychoanalytic framework?

Anna Freud expanded the understanding of defense mechanisms and their role in normal development, whereas Sigmund Freud primarily examined their manifestation in psychopathology. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention strategy aligns most closely with the core principles of Self Psychology in addressing a patient presenting with chronic feelings of emptiness and low self-esteem?

Offering empathic attunement and validation of the patient's subjective experience to strengthen their sense of self-cohesion and self-worth. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In assessing a patient through the lens of attachment theory, which of the following behaviors would suggest a dismissive-avoidant attachment style?

Minimizes the importance of close relationships, displaying emotional detachment and a reluctance to depend on others. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Within object relations theory, what is the role of 'splitting' in early development, and how does its persistence into adulthood manifest in interpersonal relationships?

Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism where objects are perceived as either all good or all bad; in adulthood, it manifests as polarized views of others and difficulty tolerating ambivalence in relationships. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How would you differentiate the concept of 'transference' in classical psychoanalysis from 'selfobject transference' in Kohut's self psychology?

Transference in classical psychoanalysis focuses on the patient's projection of unresolved conflicts onto the analyst, while selfobject transference relates to the patient's need for the analyst to fulfill unmet developmental needs for mirroring, idealization, and twinship. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Consider a patient who consistently idealizes their therapist, presenting them as infallible and all-knowing. How would a clinician informed by Kohut's Self Psychology approach this idealizing transference?

By empathically accepting the patient's idealization as an expression of unmet needs for mirroring and idealization, while gradually facilitating the patient's capacity for self-soothing and realistic appraisal. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In cases of pervasive feelings of emptiness and lack of direction, what would be the MOST appropriate clinical strategy based on Self Psychology?

Offering empathic acknowledgment of the patient's experience, while exploring the potential for selfobject relationships to fulfill unmet needs. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does a secure attachment style in infancy influence an individual's capacity for emotional regulation and resilience in adulthood?

Secure attachment cultivates a belief in oneself as worthy of love and support, resulting in more effective coping strategies and greater emotional stability under difficult circumstances. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How would one differentiate disorganized attachment from other forms of insecure attachment (anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant) in infancy, and what are the potential long-term consequences of disorganized attachment on an individual's socio-emotional development?

Disorganized attachment is marked by a lack of coherent strategy for managing distress in the presence of a caregiver, often involving contradictory behaviors; long-term consequences can include difficulties with emotion regulation, social interaction, and an increased risk for psychopathology. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the key components involving 'repression' as a defense mechanism?

The expulsion of distressing thoughts or feelings from conscious awareness, operating at an unconscious level. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering psychoanalytic theory, what is the primary goal of dream analysis?

To transform manifest content into latent content, thus accessing unconscious conflicts and drives. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What's the defining characteristic of 'free association' as a technique in psychoanalytic therapy?

The patient verbalizes whatever comes to mind without censorship. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central tenet of ego psychology regarding mental health?

Mental health is found in the ego's ability to mediate between internal drives and external reality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between immature, neurotic, and mature defense mechanisms:

Immature defenses are maladaptive and distort reality, neurotic defenses manage internal conflict, mature defenses integrate conflicting emotions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A therapist employing object relations theory is working with a client. How would they apply this therapy?

Explore the client's early relationships to understand internalized relationship patterns. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Winnicott introduce to describe a child's use of an object for comfort during separation?

Transitional object. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Psychoanalytic Theory: Key Person

Sigmund Freud is the key person associated with this theory.

Structural Components (Psychoanalytic)

Id (pleasure), Ego (reality), Superego (judge).