Problems of Technique During Latency

In this paper I have attempted to demonstrate the technical implications arising from the predominant trends of the three subphases of latency.

During the early phase of latency, the rigidity of the superego is in the foreground of mental development. The tension that exists between the superego and the instincts creates the child's ambivalence and his swiftly changing moods. Anna Freud (1936) has called the superego of the early latency phase an "ally" of the ego, in the sense that the still immature ego builds up its primitive defenses under the pressure of the superego. Precisely because of their rigid nature, these defenses support the child's stand against the instincts. The defensive reaction formations during latency initiate the first recognizable character changes. The ego is continually being challenged to take a position toward the id and toward the superego, and these confrontations gradually crystallize out the individual's character formation. Due to the fact that during early latency the superego is still characterized by archaic traits, incomplete internalization, and immaturity, the young latency child has a special sensitivity to interpretations and readily reacts to them as criticism; this is particularly true with regard to masturbation conflicts. The comparative lack of free associations must here be made up by analysis of the ego's defense mechanism and of the affects that accompany the child's defensive measures.