Primary process thinking, primitive defensive operations and object relationships in borderline and neurotic patients.

Abstract

In the present paper Kernberg's hypothesis concerning the connection between primary process thinking on the one hand and primitive defense mechanisms and modes of object relationships on the other hand were tested empirically in a sample of 30 hospitalized borderline and 30 hospitalized neurotic patients. The diagnoses of the patients were given according to the 'Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines' of Gunderson and Kolb, the functions mentioned above were assessed on the basis of the Holtzman Inkblot Technique applying scoring systems of Lerner and coworkers for primitive defense mechanisms and of Urist for the scoring of object relationships to the Holtzman Inkblot Technique. According to the results the hypothesis derived from assumptions of Kernberg could be corroborated. Primary process thinking in borderline patients seems to be closely connected with high levels of anxiety and hostility, projective identification/projection, primitive denial and sadomasochistic relationships. A model for the coming about of primary process thinking in borderline patients is proposed.