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IJP 34:277-278 (1953)

The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child (An Annual) 7, 1952: Anna Freud, LL.D. 'The Mutual Influences in the Development of Ego and Id. Introduction to the Discussion', pp. 42–50.

Abstract

A review of the relationship between ego and id and the metapsychological exploration of their interdependence would to-day lead to a review of the whole of psycho-analytic theory. Four points are selected and discussed.

1Development towards Object Relationship. Hoffer has described it as proceeding from a primitive form (being part of the milieu interne, narcissistic) to the 'psychological' object, Hartmann as a progression from the 'need-satisfying' object to 'object constancy', Melanie Klein as changes from the stage of part objects to whole objects. Anna Freud's own studies suggest that quantitative factors have to be taken into account. The child at first demands immediate satisfaction: an object not suited to give it is exchanged for another one, provided it serves the need for gratification. Later the personal attachment increases, satisfaction can be altered, the object remaining the same. Separation from the object at this stage causes extreme stress and the attachment to a particular object cannot be maintained. Transference to a substitute takes place. Ego maturation brings about the ability to maintain an object relationship in spite of interruptions. Regression to the transient and intermittent object relations takes place in adult neuroses and psychoses.
2Partial Ego Concepts. Hartmann's warning against the one-sided use of a partial ego-concept is stressed. When studying anxiety and defence mechanisms we easily lose sight of the ego as a synthesizing agent. The ego in the first instance is an ally of the id, and only in the course of its further development does it become a moderator and obstructionist.
3The Concept of an Undifferentiated Id-Ego. The advantages of the conception of an undifferentiated id-ego phase are discussed, and its value for the studying of innate, hereditary ego-attitudes emphasized.
4Primary Ego Autonomy. This useful concept (Hartmann) sheds 'light on some areas of child development, which are governed at present by

IJP 34:277-278 (1953)

The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child (An Annual) 7, 1952: Anna Freud, LL.D. 'The Mutual Influences in the Development of Ego and Id. Introduction to the Discussion', pp. 42–50.

Abstract

1Development towards Object Relationship. Hoffer has described it as proceeding from a primitive form (being part of the milieu interne, narcissistic) to the 'psychological' object, Hartmann as a progression from the 'need-satisfying' object to 'object constancy', Melanie Klein as changes from the stage of part objects to whole objects. Anna Freud's own studies suggest that quantitative factors have to be taken into account. The child at first demands immediate satisfaction: an object not suited to give it is exchanged for another one, provided it serves the need for gratification. Later the personal attachment increases, satisfaction can be altered, the object remaining the same. Separation from the object at this stage causes extreme stress and the attachment to a particular object cannot be maintained. Transference to a substitute takes place. Ego maturation brings about the ability to maintain an object relationship in spite of interruptions. Regression to the transient and intermittent object relations takes place in adult neuroses and psychoses.
2Partial Ego Concepts. Hartmann's warning against the one-sided use of a partial ego-concept is stressed. When studying anxiety and defence mechanisms we easily lose sight of the ego as a synthesizing agent. The ego in the first instance is an ally of the id, and only in the course of its further development does it become a moderator and obstructionist.
3The Concept of an Undifferentiated Id-Ego. The advantages of the conception of an undifferentiated id-ego phase are discussed, and its value for the studying of innate, hereditary ego-attitudes emphasized.
4Primary Ego Autonomy. This useful concept (Hartmann) sheds 'light on some areas of child development, which are governed at present by