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Secrecy has multiple meanings: it may represent one, several, or all the pregenital objects; an effort to become independent from the part object; and frequently is the outcome of strong ambivalence. Secrecy binds the instinct to the object and eventually to some of the ego elements. Among the latter are the passive and active ego manifestations. The ego can utilize secrecy for its own ends, independent of drive demand, in any of the following ways: to preserve a sense of identity; to put emphasis on the external barrier; to prevent an undue invasion of privacy; to control a particular drive, especially during periods of drive increment, such as adolescence; to compensate for a basic ego deficiency; and, finally, as a means of avoiding a sense of futility, uselessness, inferiority, and lack of self-esteem.
If there is a functional relationship between autonomous areas of the ego and superego with the milieu, then the ego can cope with any stimulus. This means an ego mature enough to handle drives from within and the encroachment of reality. Such ego functioning gives the impression of productive adaptation with minimal conflict and waste of energy. There is no incompatibility between duty and love, and play and work are both gratifying and constructive.