phantasy
Pronunciation: FAN-tuh-see
Klein's spelling for unconscious mental content that gives meaning to instinctual drives and forms the basis of psychological life.
Full Definition
Phantasy (with 'ph') refers to unconscious mental activity present from birth that gives psychical representation to instinctual drives. Unlike conscious fantasies, unconscious phantasies are primitive, often bodily-based mental contents that shape how internal and external reality is experienced. They involve relationships between self and objects, often with concrete, physical imagery. Phantasies underlie symptom formation, character development, and the transference relationship. Klein emphasized that phantasies are not mere wishful thinking but fundamental organizing principles of mental life.
Usage
Usage note: Spell with 'ph' to distinguish from conscious fantasy; Klein's specific usage.
In Context
- "The patient's unconscious phantasy involved attacking and devouring the analyst's interpretations." — supervision notes
- "Kleinian analysis focuses on interpreting the patient's operative phantasies in the transference." — technique paper