| Abstract: | Investigated the construct validity of several self-report measures of splitting and related primitive defense mechanisms and undertook a preliminary quantitative analysis of the relation of these defenses to here-and-now social perceptions in borderline psychopathology. Based on an integrated framework of object-relations theory, psychoanalytic group psychology, and social cognition theory, the study explored associations between the use of primitive defenses by 31 adult borderline inpatients and their perceptions of the various staff roles that constitute their treatment teams. Reliance on image-distorting defenses and the holding of fragmented images of self as omnipotent and as "bad" were significantly associated with borderlines' perceived proximity to specific members and subgroups of their treatment teams. Results further validate selected measures of primitive defenses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
