Monsters Incorporated: The Internalization of Very Bad Objects And Their Role in Superego Pathology and Hysteria
James Fabian MD, FRCPC, FIPA
Monsters frightened us as children. They fascinate us as adults. But there are no monsters, are there? No real monsters? Oh, but there are. According to Kleinian theory, as infants and young children we all incorporate our most important objects initially in part-object/combined object forms, creating “fantastical” internal objects, some of which are best described a “monstrous”. Once created, these objects live on inside us. If these monstrously bad objects should occupy the seat of authority in our mind, the Superego (Ronald Britton views the Superego like a “pulpit” or a “throne” which different objects can occupy), then the resulting “ego-destructive superego” (Bion) can produce severe guilt, along with self-defeating behaviors and self-punishing symptoms such as are found in hysteria.
Utilizing examples of “monsters” from cinema, literature and the consulting room, this presentation will explore how bad objects are created; how they can be detected in modern forms of hysteria, and ways one can address them. To what extent can these bad objects be modified? Donald Carveth distinguishes the Conscience from the Superego; for him the Conscience is an internalized good, caring object founded on identification with the nurturing primary caregiver. Depending on whether it is the Conscience or the Superego in the “Seat of Authority”, guilt resulting can be utilized in the service of reparation and lead to the growth of the individual and healing in relationships, or guilt will be persecutory and narcissistic, likened to flagellating oneself while the injured other bleeds.
James Fabian is a member of the WBCPS and a psychiatrist. He has a private practice in West Vancouver. He also provides psychiatric consultation and supervision through the outpatient clinic of Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UBC and is involved in the teaching and supervision of psychiatric residents.
3 hours CME credit
