A Different Baby: Marian Tolpin's Contributions to the Theory of Self Development

Abstract

Using Heinz Kohut's description of the selfobject transferences, Marian Tolpin set herself the task of reformulating some of the traditional conceptualizations of developmental processes in psychoanalysis. This article focuses only on two of these processes: the acquisition of the ability for self-soothing and the acquisition of the capacity to regulate tension and anxiety. By reconceptualizing Winnicott's and Mahler's formulations regarding these two fundamental mental functions, Tolpin demonstrated that the formation of psychological structures can best be understood when their internalization is conceptualized as occurring through a “way-station” via a “temporary mental structure.” Through a gradual (transmuting) internalization, any object (most often a soft blanket) or the mother can serve as a “temporary mental structure.” The article indicates those areas where modern infant research, using primarily attachment theory to explain its findings, came to the same conclusions as did Tolpin using the lan...