Gertrude Blanck Knihy

In this third volume of the acclaimed series on ego psychology, the authors advance the field by presenting a developmental object relations theory while remaining rooted in psychoanalytic theory. They build upon their previous work, integrating structural theory with ego psychology, and extend Freud's concept of the Gesamt Ich, or the ego as a whole, positioning it as superordinate to the ego of structure. Their distinctive approach adds new dimensions to theory construction while retaining foundational elements like drive and conflict theory. This volume revives Freud's insights on object relations, incorporating developmental theory to create an integrated framework. The authors define object relations as the outcomes of interactions between self and object representations. They also expand on concepts such as transference, the resolution of the Oedipus Complex, and the termination process in therapy. This work will appeal to readers of the earlier volumes, as well as psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and a wider audience of professors and students in psychology, social work, and medicine.

This best seller breaks new ground by demonstrating how mainstream psychoanalytic theory has evolved into a psychoanalytic developmental object relations theory. The authors summarize the contributions of the major ego psychologists from Freud to the contemporary theorists, including the new findings of the child observationalists. By integrating these several contributions, the authors are able to show that classical psychoanalysis and ego psychology combine to form a unified theory that provides a more profound understanding of the borderline and narcissistic conditions as well as of the neuroses. From this comprehensive synthesis of theory the authors derive techniques for the treatment of the more troubled patient and expand the classical technique for the psychoanalysis of neurosis. Recognizing that there are preoedipal developmental problems even in neurotic patients and that there are oedipal issues in the borderline and narcissistic patients, the authors demonstrate the applicability of developmental object realtions theory across the diagnostic spectrum and include a new chapter on termination. Using numerous case illustrations from their own practice, the Blancks have constructed an extraordinarily comprehensive and readable text that updates psychoanalytic theory for the nineties. (Leo Rangell, Past President, International Psychoanalytical Association )