Twin Transference as a Compromise Formation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8335227 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Stanley J Coen ((Stanley J. Coen, M.D.) 525 West End Avenue New York, New York 10024), Paul A bradlow ((Stanley J. Coen, M.D.) 525 West End Avenue New York, New York 10024) |
| Year | 1982 |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 599-620 |
| Publication date | 1982-06-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0003-0651 • E-ISSN: 1941-2460 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/000306518203000303 |
| PMID | 6927307 |
| OpenAlex | W2005898096 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 18 |
This paper explores the meanings and functions of a transference paradigm of a fantasied twin relationship with the analyst. Twin transference in the analysis of nontwins has been reported infrequently in the psychoanalytic literature, except recently by Kohut and his co-workers, who refer to twinship transference as a variant of narcissistic mirror transference. We suggest that such narrow definition tends to reduce the complexity of the wish for a twinlike relationship with the analyst. Analytic data are used to show the advantages of examining twin transference within structural theory, in terms of the multiple functions served by this rather primitive transference paradigm, rather than reducing it only to one variant of the need for certain mirroring functions. We suggest that twin transference, together with all twin fantasies, subserves multiple functions, of which we highlight gratification and defense against the dangers of intense object need. In this formulation, the twinlike representation of the object provides the illusion of influence or control over the object by the pretense of being able to impersonate or transform oneself into the object and the object into the self. Intense object need persists together with a partial narcissistic defense against full acknowledgment of the object by representing the sought-after object as combining aspects of self and other. Further analytic attention needs to be directed to the specific representation of the needed object in certain primitive transference paradigms instead of exclusive emphasis on the functions required of the object. Our analytic data are used to argue that intense early needs of an object are best understood analytically within a conflict model in which they are modified by multiple wishes, drives, fears, dangers, and needs for defense
Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Fantasy · Id, ego and super-ego · Mirroring · Narcissism · Object (grammar) · Object relations theory · Psychoanalysis · Psychoanalytic theory · Representation (politics) · Transference · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Personality Disorders and Psychopathology · Psychoanalysis, Philosophy, and Politics · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology
The Restoration of the Self
Imaginary Companions, Fantasy Twins, Mirror Dreams and Depersonalization
Interpretation of a Typical and Stereotyped Dream Met with Only During Psychoanalysis
Imaginary Companions in Childhood and Adult Creativity
Fantasy Systems in Twins
The Symbolic Significance of Twins in Dreams
Opposite-Sex Twins
Notes on the Concepts of Selfobject and Preoedipal Object
The Psychology of Twins
Exhibitionism and Fascination
Sexualization as a Predominant Mode of Defense
The Widening World of Childhood
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |