Abstract
AbstractThis study provides an account of the way shame, intrusion or other adverse experiences in early childhood can prevent genuine identification with an ego‐ideal, which is felt to be a burden. I argue that the ego‐ideal is necessary to impel the individual towards continual growth and that its absence vitiates the formation of a durable ego. The paper points out the consequences for the subject, which include incapacitation of the ego and the desire to circumvent life.
Reference23 articles.
1. Bell D.(2023)One is always nearer by not keeping still.Unpublished paper read before Melanie Klein Trust Conference ‘Psychic change: challenges for technique’. Royal College of Physicians June 10th.
2. Breaching the shame shield: Thoughts on the assessment of adolescent child sexual abusers
3. Working in the Dark