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Abstract
Drawing on the object-relations theory of trauma, which also emphasises the destructive relationship of inner objects, the attack of these inner, destructive objects is not only understood as a passive experience for the constitution of the ego, but also in terms of the necessary defence against psychical pain. In other words, the ego opens itself up to the destructive objects in order to counter an unbearable experience of pain. This process is understood as self-traumatization, which impairs the ego's ability to perceive, think, and feel adequately. Clinical examples are provided to illustrate this process.