The Primacy of Structure : Psychotherapy of Underlying Character Pathology. This item is unavailable.The Primacy of Structure : Psychotherapy of Underlying Character Pathology

Focuses on the understanding of psychological behaviour and clinical symptoms in terms of the underlying character structure of the individual. The author uses object relations theory to integrate self psychology, drive theory and ego psychology.

In "The Primacy of Structure" Althea Horner argues that effective psychotherapeutic intervention depends on the understanding of clinical symptoms in terms of the patient's underlying character structure. For example, obsessive behaviour that functions to hold together a fragile, inadequately integrated self must be distinguished from obsessive behaviour that defends against awareness of guilt and anxiety. In evaluating patients, Dr Horner asks herself whether he or she was well integrated and well differentiated before the presenting complaint, or a borderline individual already at risk. These facts are critical for the patient's therapy. In Part I Dr Horner discusses the development of character, in Part II character pathology, and in Part III the treatment of character pathology. Mental health professonals may find this a useful guide to psychotherapy of the character problems that lie behind their patients' presenting symptoms.