In a recent paper Earle described her application of psychoanalytic knowledge to the task of helping children who undergo amputation for bone cancer. In this work she examines the 'coping mechanisms' developed by these children in dealing with a painful reality. Where these mechanisms are effective she supports them; where they are ineffective she helps the child to modify them.

In discussing the psychoanalytic treatment of patients with physical disabilities, the present author describes a group of patients who believe that the physical disability itself is responsible for every anxiety and every internal disturbance. It is argued that the analysis proper of such patients can only begin after the analyst has successfully undermined the 'coping mechanisms' which underlie the patient's need to ascribe all his difficulties to his disabilities.