TWO PRIMARY CONFIGURATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY

In this paper we discuss the development of personality as part of a complex two fundamental transactions - the line of childly development that leads to the formation of satisfying and intimate interpersonal relationships, and a line of development that leads to a stable, realistic, and fundamentally positive identity.

These two developmental lines usually develop as complex dialectical processes. Development on both lines depends on this dialectical interaction; the development of self-concept relies on building a satisfying interpersonal experience, and the continuation of interpersonal satisfaction. These two developmental lines usually develop as complex dialectical processes. Development on both lines depends on this dialectical interaction; the development of self-concept relies on building a satisfying interpersonal experience, and the continuation of interpersonal satisfaction. We suspect that there are two main configurations of psychopathology, the child is an introjective configuration, each defined primarily by the task forces of each of the two fundamental developmental lines. Anaclitic psychopathology is distorted and exaggerated efforts to maintain a satisfying interpersonal experience, distorted introjective psychopathology and exaggerated efforts to build an effective self-concept. We suspect that there are two main configurations of psychopathology, anaclitik is an introjective configuration, each defined primarily by the task forces of each of the two fundamental developmental lines. Anaclitic psychopathology is distorted and exaggerated efforts to maintain a satisfying interpersonal experience, distorted introjective psychopathology and exaggerated efforts to build an effective self-concept.

Psychopatology in the anaclitic configuration inclucedes anactitic depression (or he infantile personality) and hysteria. Predominant are concern about interpersonal relationships and the capacity to be close, intimate an to give and receive care and love. Intense concern about these issues can be expressed in a form most relevant to an early developmental level – the basic caregiving mother – child dyad – or at the more mature and complex oedipal level. Defenses in anaclitic psychopathology are primary figurative, focusing on images and affects, cognitive processes are primarily figurative, focusing on images and affects, characterized by simultaneous rather than sequential thought, and the avoidance of contradiction and critical analiysis. The predominant perceptual mode is field dependent. Depriving, rejecting, inconsistent, unpredictable, or overindulgent relationships have led to conflicts around libidinal issues of care, affection, love and sexuality. The development of a sense of self is neglected in exaggerated and distorted struggles to establish satisfying interpersonal relationships.

Psychopathology in the introjective configuration focuses primarily on issues of self-definition, self-control, self-worth, and identity. These issues can be expressed in primitive form in paranoia, in somewhat advanced form in obsessive-compulsive disorders, or at a high developmental level in introjective psychopathology expresses exaggerated and distorted attempt s to establish self-definition and identity. Defenses in introjective psychopathology are basically counteractive. Projection (splitting, externalization, disavowal, and reversal), doing and undoing, reaction formation, islation, intellectualization, rationalization, and overcompensation are all attempts to control, modify, and transform impulses. Cognitive processes are literal, focused primarily on things, thought, and deeds (actions) rather than on people, feelings, and interpersonal ties. Concerns are about cause and effect, responsibility and blame. Attention is focused on details and contradictions; differences are exaggerated. There is little spontaneity and feeling; the emphasis is upon power and control. The predominant perceptual mode is field independent. Struggle to achieve separation, definition, and judgemental from controlling, intrusive, punitive, excessively critical, and judgemental figures are expressed in conflicts aroungd the management and containment of affect, especially aggression directed toward others and the self.