| This monograph is an attempt to integrate the relational and drive models of psychoanalytic theory. In reviewing the literature this monograph traces the evolution of psychoanalytic thought beginning with Freud and ending with the more recent efforts of theorists such as Benjamin and Hamilton. An evaluation of Freud's work is followed by an examination of the metapsychology of Sullivan. Melanie Klein's work including her concepts of paranoid schizoid position, and her notion of the "depressive position", are reviewed next. The theorists of the British School are then discussed including the work of Fairbairn and Winnicott. Next, the work of Heinz Hartmann is explored along with his notion of "average expectable environment". This is followed by an assessment of Margaret Mahler's concept of separation and individuation. After Mahler's work, an examination of Kernberg's theory is undertaken and his concept that "affects - are the building blocks - drives" (Kernberg 1976). Psychoanalytic efforts toward integration are discussed including the models Kernberg, Kohut, and Sandler, among others. After this, perspectives on aggression beyond psychoanalytic theory are presented.;A reformulation is then provided which presents a multi-dimensional structural model of the mind referred to as the macromodel of self. Components of this macromodel include essential ego, child ego, the adult ego, the relational ego, and human instinct. Following this an experiential micromodel of the mind is presented that includes 12 basic capacities of the self. The capacities include human instinct, primitive affect, basic emotion, primary narcissism, problem solving, hypothetical deductive reasoning, relational bonding, healthy mature narcissism, autonomy, creativity, love and faith. This is followed by a discussion of how the findings of this theoretical research may contribute to the clinical theory and practice. |
