in self psychology, a narcissistic transference that, when activated in treatment, results in the patient experiencing the analyst or therapist as a powerful and benevolent parental figure.

Optimal frustration is a form of tolerable frustration and disappointment. When a child needs access to a self-object but one is not available, he or she might experience frustration. Optimal frustration occurs when a person experiences frustration that can lead to the development of new coping skills.

in self psychology, a narcissistic transference technique in which patients’ grandiose selves are reactivated as a replica of the early phase of their lives when their mothers established or undermined their sense of perfection by admiring or devaluing their exhibitionistic behavior.

Precisely defined, a selfobject is neither self nor object but the subjective aspect of a self-sustaining function performed by a relationship of self to objects who by their presence or activity evoke and maintain the self and the experience of selfhood.

In psychoanalytic theory, transference occurs when a client projects feelings about someone else, particularly someone encountered in childhood, onto her therapist. Frequently spoken about in reference to the therapeutic relationship, the classic example of sexual transference is falling in love with one’s therapist.

In psychoanalytic theory, idealization is seen as a defense mechanism that helps us navigate our confusing feelings and maintain a positive image of the people that matter to us. Idealization as a defense mechanism is often mentioned in relation to splitting.

However, the stability of a partner may have a positive effect on the emotional sensitivities people with BPD experience. It may require a great deal of work from both partners, but long-term relationships and marriages are possible for people with BPD.

People with BPD represent approximately 6 percent of the population and may be men or women. They can be the life of the party and appear to be very popular and attractive. Their words can be extremely seductive, soothing, and exciting, alternating with extreme criticism, anger, and rage.

People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) tend to have major difficulties with relationships, especially with those closest to them. Their wild mood swings, angry outbursts, chronic abandonment fears, and impulsive and irrational behaviors can leave loved ones feeling helpless, abused, and off balance.

There is research showing that borderline personality disorder runs in families. 1 This is likely due to a number of factors. First, some part of BPD is due to genetics; if these are your biological kids and they have inherited a certain combination of genes from you, they may be more at risk to develop BPD.