Beyond Ego Psychology

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In this third volume of the acclaimed series on ego psychology, the authors advance the field by presenting a developmental object relations theory while remaining rooted in psychoanalytic theory. They build upon their previous work, integrating structural theory with ego psychology, and extend Freud's concept of the Gesamt Ich, or the ego as a whole, positioning it as superordinate to the ego of structure. Their distinctive approach adds new dimensions to theory construction while retaining foundational elements like drive and conflict theory. This volume revives Freud's insights on object relations, incorporating developmental theory to create an integrated framework. The authors define object relations as the outcomes of interactions between self and object representations. They also expand on concepts such as transference, the resolution of the Oedipus Complex, and the termination process in therapy. This work will appeal to readers of the earlier volumes, as well as psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and a wider audience of professors and students in psychology, social work, and medicine.