paranoid-schizoid position
Pronunciation: PAIR-uh-noid SKIT-soid puh-ZISH-un
Also written as: PS
Klein's earliest developmental position characterized by splitting, projection, and persecutory anxieties about destroyed objects.
Full Definition
The paranoid-schizoid position describes the infant's earliest mental organization, typically from birth to four months, though it remains accessible throughout life. This position is characterized by the use of primitive defenses including splitting, projective identification, and idealization to manage overwhelming anxiety. The infant experiences objects as either completely good or completely bad, with persecutory fears that bad objects will retaliate for aggressive attacks. The ego itself is fragmented and lacks integration. Movement toward the depressive position involves developing tolerance for ambivalence and concern for the object's welfare.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate paranoid-schizoid; position is not capitalized unless beginning sentence.
In Context
- "The patient's paranoid-schizoid position manifested in his inability to tolerate mixed feelings about the analyst." — supervision notes
- "Regression to the paranoid-schizoid position occurred whenever interpretations challenged his idealization." — case presentation