Winnicott’s Idea OF The False Self: Theory as Autobiography

Abstract

One of the most important concepts developed by D. W. Winnicott was his idea of the false self. In the course of his work, he was often preoccupied with the need to maintain a sense of psychological vitality, which could be threatened in various ways. Threats occur throughout the life cycle as parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and other people impact the individual and contribute to the creation of the inner world of fantasy, which is also self-generated. These elements can work together or separately to undermine one’s sense of vitality by the pressure to comply with a variety of demands, which can give rise to a false self. Winnicott’s principal method of exploring this issue was through his clinical work, which was informed by personal struggles instrumental in shaping his thinking about the concept.