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The self psychology of Heinz Kohut has been an influential
force in contemporary psychoanalytic thought. Its indications for treatment
have been extensively explored. This volume offers the first analysis of the
application of self psychology to projective psychological testing.
Differentiating the self psychological approach from an ego
psychological interpretation of classical drive theory, the book outlines the
principal contributions of Kohut, including the concepts of selfobject
functions, empathy, transmuting internalization, and compensatory structure.
Providing a large number of clinical examples, it demonstrates how the major
selfobject functions of mirroring, idealization, and twinship can be
identified on projective tests.
Self Psychology and Diagnostic Assessment then
demonstrates how conventional assessment approaches to grandiosity,
self-esteem and idealization can be reconceptualized within the framework of
self psychology. Adducing Rorschach, Thematic Apperception Test, and Human
Figure Drawing responses from cases published by Roy Schafer, Paul Lerner,
Harold Lerner and others as well as from Silverstein's own case material, this
volume contrasts ego psychological interpretations with self psychological
interpretations. It further clarifies the reasons why some responses are not
good examples of selfobject functions.
The book includes two complete cases presented in their
entirety and comprehensively discussed from the point of view of the
psychology of the self with appropriate contrasts to that of ego psychology
indicated.
Silverstein's Self Psychology and Diagnostic Assessment
makes a strong case for the importance of the clinical identification of self
states. It will help clinicians engaged in diagnostic psychological testing to
understand their patients' varied attempts to repair injuries to the self. It
further examines psychodiagnostic indicators of restoring self-esteem
(compensatory structure) and the clinical consequences of self disorders,
including disintegration products such as narcissistic rage and affect states
characterized by empty depression, chronic boredom, and lack of zest.
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