Abstract
AbstractChanges in the self‐image of severely disturbed psychiatric patients diagnosed with Kernberg's (1981) structural interview as having neurotic, borderline and psychotic personality organization (NPO, BPO and PPO) were studied in a naturalistic 5‐year follow‐up programme of milieu treatment. Self‐image was measured with Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (Benjamin, 1974) introject ratings. After treatment all patients had changed in the affiliation dimension of the self‐image, while there was almost no change in the interdependence dimension. A more detailed analysis showed that for the NPO and PPO patients the higher overall affiliation was due to a less attacking self‐image, while for the BPO patients it was due to more self‐love. Both at intake and follow‐up the PPO patients' ratings showed a positive self‐image and those of the BPO patients showed high self‐control. These ratings contrast with the diagnostic descriptions of such patients. It is suggested that these differences in perspective might lead to interpersonal problems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published Version
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