Projective Identification - Theoretical Complications

Theoretical Complications

Something of the richness of Klein's initial formulation may be seen in the variety of ways the concept has subsequently been developed. W. R. Bion early made an important distinction between normal projective identification and pathological projective identification. The projected part is splintered and disintegrated into minute fragments, and it is these minute fragments that are projected into the object.

Another distinction has been made between:

• acquisitive projective identification - when someone believes they are Napoleon
• attributive projective identification - making someone take in and in some sense "become" the projection.

Rosenfeld identifies three kinds of projective identification:

1. used for communication
2. used for ridding the self of unwanted parts
3. aimed at controlling the analyst's body and mind.

Others identify four kinds of projective identification:

1. a type of defence
2. a mode of communication
3. a primitive form of object relations
4. a pathway for psychological change.