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“Theoretical Considerations of Ego Regression and Ego Functions in Creativity”
Phillip Weissman, M.D.
March 3, 1966 Meeting
Dr. Weissman's thesis is that Kris' concept of controlled regression in the service of the ego, in creativity, may be replaced more definitively by the concept of a dissociative function acting in the service of the synthetic function of the ego.
Creativity has been considered mainly in terms of its inspirational phase—leaving out the necessary elaboration; this fact contributes to controlled regressions being considered the hallmark of creativity. However, even in creative inspirational activity, the passive entry of drive cathexis into consciousness need not be accompanied by a concomitant regression of the ego—as may be seen in the phenomenon of the return of the repressed without ego regression. The availability of id derivatives for creative purposes, without the implication of regression, may be ascribed to a dissociative function of the ego, which may be viewed as the ego's capacity to dissociate itself from established (1) object relationships, (2) responses to specific id derivatives, (3) superego demands. Genetically this function develops in the early conflict between the pleasure and reality principles—to permit new patterns to be established; it reemerges in development to disrupt the established order to make way for maturer integrations. In creativity, it permits emerging drive cathexes to original treatment by the ego and probably is conducive to the emergence of such id-derived cathexis. The appearance of the dissociative function, as a precondition for more mature development, distinguishes it from regression, which restricts the ego to earlier stages of functioning. In creativity, it leads to increased availability of drive cathexis to the ego—not necessarily primary process discharge which can become regressively available through ego weakening.
In a non-creative mind, the dissociative function aids integrating new undertakings.