self-psychology
A psychoanalytic approach emphasizing the development and maintenance of a cohesive sense of self.
Full Definition
Self-psychology, developed by Heinz Kohut, represents a major theoretical shift within psychoanalysis from drive theory to focus on the development and maintenance of the self. This approach emphasizes the need for selfobject relationships - connections with others who perform essential psychological functions like mirroring, idealization, and twinship. According to self-psychology, psychological problems arise from disrupted self-development due to empathic failures in early caregiving relationships. Treatment focuses on understanding and healing narcissistic injuries through the analyst's empathic responsiveness and interpretation of selfobject transferences. This approach is particularly relevant for treating narcissistic personality disorders and other conditions involving self-esteem regulation difficulties.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Self-psychology' when referring to Kohut's specific theoretical school.
In Context
- "The self-psychology approach revealed the patient's need for mirroring selfobject functions from the analyst." — theoretical formulation
- "Self-psychology concepts guided understanding of the patient's rage following empathic failures." — supervision notes