Self psychology

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Self psychology is a modern psychoanalytic theory and clinical approach developed by Heinz Kohut from the 1960s through the 1980s. While classical Freudian psychoanalysis focused on innate biological drives and conflicts within the unconscious, self psychology focuses on the subjective experience of the "self" and the fundamental need to maintain a stable sense of self. Self psychology views psychological suffering as rooted in a weak or underdeveloped self, caused by (among other things) a lack of empathy and receptiveness in childhood caregivers. Central to self psychology is the concept of the selfobject, which refers to another person or experience that serves the function of maintaining a stable and cohesive sense of self. Kohut's work revolves around three major selfobject relationships: Mirroring, where the individual looks for affirmation and recognition from others. Idealization, where the individual relies on an admired other for a sense of strength and stability. Twinship (or alter ego), where the individual seeks a sense of similarity and belonging with others. For example, when a child is praised by their parent for doing well in school, their need for mirroring is met; when a child turns to a parent for safety when they are scared, their need for idealization is met. In early childhood, the primary selfobjects are parents and caregivers; later in life teachers, friends, romantic partners, therapists, and social groups may serve this role. Selfobjects are not limited to people, as art, science, and religion serve as cultural selfobjects. In terms of clinical practice, self psychology centers the therapist's use of empathy. Defined by Kohut as "vicarious introspection", empathy is the process of feeling and thinking oneself into another person's subjective experience in order to gain access to the patient's private inner world. Kohut asserted that, unlike the physical sciences which rely on objective external observation,...