You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
Psychoanalytic Quarterly, Vol. XVII, 1948, No. 3, p. 346.
The analysis of mirror fantasies or dreams reveals that they represent basic conflicts emerging from analysis and that they are clues to the narcissistic defences against them. The dreams cited in the paper demonstrate the patient's attempt to face the unconscious conflict, to look at it and to bring it into focus with reality.
As an example of the opposite reaction, in analysis dreams of catastrophe are cited. Such dreams reveal that more affect has been mobilized by the analysis than can be mastered by the integrative mechanism of the ego. By exaggerating the danger the patient rationalizes his retreat from his fear. The variations in the nature of the catastrophe afford valuable clues to the gradual changes in the integrative capacity of the ego.