Anaclitic and Introjective Psychopathology and the Interpersonal Function of Perfectionism/Self-Criticism

Blatt (1974, 2004) has proposed that two broad clusters of psycho-pathology can be distinguished, each associated with a specific predisposing personality style that entails vulnerability for specific “triggering” stressors. Anaclitic psychopathology would be triggered when subjects who are highly dependent on the interpersonal level are confronted with interpersonal stressors (e.g., loss of a relationship). The most characteristic elements of the anaclitic clinical picture are wishes to be cared for and protected, and feelings of helplessness and weakness, often accompanied by and expressed in tearfulness and psychosomatic symptoms (Blatt 2004). Introjective psychopathology would be triggered when excessively self-critical and autonomous subjects are confronted with stressors pertaining to achievement (e.g., failure to graduate). The introjective clinical picture is characterized by feelings of inferiority, guilt, and worthlessness, and by frightening aggressive impulses, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and ambivalence. Blatt's theory refers to the classical psychoanalytic theory on the hysterical and obsessional dimensions in psychopathology, and also converges with contemporary theories, like cognitive-behavioral formulations on sociotropic and autonomous depression (Beck 1983).

Robins et al. (1994) reviewed the theoretical literature on anaclitic and introjective psychopathology and concluded that the personality trait hypothesized to predispose for anaclitic psychopathology—namely, interpersonal dependency—can be subdivided into three core characteristics: Concern about what Others Think (COT), Pleasing Others (PO), and Dependency (DEP). The personality trait hypothesized to predispose for introjective psychopathology—namely, self-criticism/autonomy—can also be subdivided into three clusters: Perfectionism/Self-criticism (PF/SC), Need for Control (NC), and Defensive Separation (DS). Robins et al. (1994) constructed the Personal Style