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Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1027/1192-5604/a000090

Abstract. In this discussion of the case of Ms. B., I consider this patient’s Rorschach responses from the theoretical viewpoint of psychoanalytic self psychology (Kohut, 1971, 1996). Using thematic content and sequence analysis, I demonstrate how the self psychological concept of the forward edge (Tolpin, 2002) may indicate how a selfobject transference emerges as a representation of thwarted legitimate developmental strivings that have been driven underground. I attempt to illustrate how such unrecognized selfobject needs may be reactivated on the Rorschach and how they may be understood as fragile tendrils of remaining healthy needs.

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