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Coppolillo begins by summarizing Winnicott's construct of the transitional experience, the area between inner and outer reality. He then attempts a more explicit definition of this area, viewing it as having greater significance in human functioning than has been acknowledged. Starting from Hartmann's and Rapaport's concepts of autonomous ego functions, Coppolillo describes this zone of
"optimal control" between external stimuli (reality) and internal stimuli (id) as the ideal arena in which the ego "can mix these two tides of stimuli." Sublimation and neutralization are the autonomous ego functions he focuses on. A society's cultural products are seen as transitional objects, created and used in the transitional area of experience. Coppolillo attempts to differentiate fantasy and transference from transitional experience. Fantasy lacks reality representation; indeed, it often functions to hold reality at bay. Transference also leaves the ego "helpless" and subject to anxiety. This generally excellent paper is strengthened by the effective use of behavioral vignettes to exemplify its theoretical concepts.