Self Psych. (4) Flashcards
How does Self Psychology understand the Self?
Considered the nucleus of the individual that regulates self-esteem, organizes experiences, and gives meaning to life
What concepts does Self Pschology use?
Selfobject experiences
Vicarious Introspection
Healthy Narcissism
When does Kohut believe the self structure begins?
18 months
What are the three object needs of the self structure?
- The need for confirmation, validation, and mirroring responses from others
- The need to internalize an idealized selfobject, which provides nurturing and helps the child learn to self-soothe
- The need for a twin or alter ego, which seeks mutuality and equality in relationships with others as well as sharing of values and preferences.
What does selfobject refer to?
A generic term for our intrapsychic experiences of others, our mental representations of them experienced as part of the self or in service of the self.
Describe the three concepts that make up the empathic relationship between parents and children
Mirroring - involves parental approval and admiration
Idealizing- involves parents allowing children to see them as perfect
Twinship- occurs when people feel as though they belong because they are similar to another person.
What is optimal frustration?
A mild disruption in empathy that pushes people to take steps to form a cohesive self.
What is the goal of self psychology?
Development of a healthy and cohesive self
What does Kohut’s “tragic man” refer to?
When an individual’s failures overshadow their successes
How does healthy narcissism work?
Allows people to value themselves and their needs and to have self-confidence.
What is pathological narcissism?
Results when healthy development of a cohesive self is blocked (at the root of many people’s emotional difficulties)
What is unhealthy narcissism?
Unstable self-concept, grandiose fantasies of self-importance, a sense of entitlement, and an inability to think of others as anything but need-gratifying objects
What is the experience near ?
Emphasis on the present, it is the present or here-and-now experiences that lead to their resolution
What is intersubjectivity?
Process through which the therapist and client influence each other in therapy.
What is Vicarious Introspection?
Empathy; therapists should take a nurturing role; emphasize active and open listening; and provide acceptance, understanding, and explanations or interpretations to facilitate the unfolding of the client’s subjective world.
