The fragile self: Narcissistic disturbance and the protective function of depression

Abstract

The role of self-esteem in the aetiology of depressive disorders is not limited to negative self-evaluations. A broader concept, embracing the experience of the self, is necessary. A developmental model of self-esteem regulation is proposed, derived in part from Mahler's work on separation-individuation in infants and Kohut's work on narcissism. A concept of a 'fragile self' is formulated and developed; the depressive state is seen as protecting this fragile self. The model provides a coherent account of individual differences in proneness to depression (in interaction with environmental factors) which is useful to psychotherapists, yet open to empirical test and research use. The model is discussed in relation to psychological research on depression and implications for clinical practice are outlined.

The phenomenology of shame and guilt: An empirical investigation

“…From a clinical point of view this is an important finding since it indicates that being aware of shame and distinguishing it from guilt may be important for treatment and also transference relationships (e.g. Mollon & Parry, 1984). The transference is likely to be different in shame-based difficulties compared to guilt in that shame involves more experiences of helplessness, inferiority, self-consciousness, etc., and possibly motivates more concealment and FNE from the therapist.…”

“…In existential writing, shame arises from awareness of how one exists for another (Mollon & Parry, 1984). Mollon (1984) captures the essence of how shame involves an awareness of living negatively in the minds of others with a quote from the existential writer, Sartre:…”

Women and depression

“…The process of socialization is critical in the development of self-esteem (Sanford & Donovan, 1984;Tavis & Offir, 1977). Low self-esteem, regardless of gender, has been consistently associated with clinical depression (Becker, 1979;Brown, 1979;Coleman, 1975;Mollon & Parry, 1984;Zemore & Bretell, 1983).…”

Freudian repression revisited: The power and pain of shame

“…Repressed and mtemahzed shame is related to a painful &sordered sense of self, creating confusion and internal strife An individual may attempt to armor oneself against this pmn by employing a myriad of defending strategies which are necessary for survival and continued emotional growth (Kaufman, 1985) Defending strategies may include, but are not hmlted to, shaming someone else, being critical or blaming, being over involved wah another, focusing outside of oneself, internally withdrawing, being rageful or fearful, playing the martyr or victim, lying, overworking, striving for power, stnvmg for perfection, and over controlling another person (Harper & Hoopes, 1990;Kaufman, 1985) Difficulty arises when the m&vldual habitually continues to employ the defending strategies m nonthreatenmg situations, laying the foundation for later pathologlcal developments (Kaufman, 1985) 'Shame alone does not produce all forms of psychopathology, nor do all emotional and mental &sorders have shame as a contributing dynamic' (Harper & Hoopes, 1990, p 155) There is, however, a growing body of evidence that repressed shame may contribute to the development or maintenance of a host of psychological and emotional dysfunctlons Shame may be involved with narcissistic or borderhne personalmes (Chesslck, 1979, Fisher, 1985, Frlesen, 1979, Harper & Hoopes, 1990Kernberg, 1975, Lewis, 1987bMollon, 1984, Morrlson, 1983, 1984Wurmser, 1981Wurmser, , 1987, affecUve and personahty &sorders (Harper & Hoopes, 1990), depression (Fnesen, 1979, Harper & Hoopes, 1990, Hobhtzelle, 1987Lewis, 1987a, Mollon & Parry, 1984, schizophrenia (Harper & Hoopes, 1990, Morrlson, 1987, paranoia (Harper & Hoopes, 1990), anxlety &sorders (Fnesen, 1979, Harper & Hoopes, 1990Lewis, 1987a), hystena, obsesslve thinking, acting-out, self-destructive behavior, (Frlesen, 1979, Harper & Hoopes, 1990Lewis, 1987a), low self-esteem ...…”