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Heinz Kohut

Last updated on Friday, April 26, 2024.

Definition:

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Heinz Kohut (1913-1981) was an Austrian-born American psychoanalyst known for his contributions to the field of self psychology. Kohut focused on the importance of empathy and the role of selfobjects in the development of a healthy sense of self. He emphasized the significance of mirroring and idealizing selfobjects, such as parents, in facilitating psychological growth and healing. Kohut's work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of narcissism and the treatment of narcissistic personality disorders in psychoanalysis.

Heinz Kohut: Revolutionizing Psychoanalysis

Heinz Kohut was a prominent psychoanalyst known for his significant contributions to the field of psychology, particularly in the realm of self psychology. Born in Vienna in 1913, Kohut's work has had a lasting impact on the way we understand the development of the self and the treatment of narcissistic disorders.

Key Concepts and Ideas

One of Kohut's key concepts was the idea of the "selfobject". He proposed that individuals need relationships with others that function as selfobjects – mirroring back to them feelings of worth and value. These selfobjects are crucial in the formation of a healthy sense of self and in the development of empathy.

Another important idea in Kohut's work is the concept of narcissism. Kohut believed that a certain amount of narcissism is necessary for a person's psychological well-being. He differentiated between healthy narcissism, which allows individuals to have a sense of self-worth and agency, and pathological narcissism, which can lead to difficulties in relationships and functioning.

Influence and Legacy

Kohut's work has had a profound influence on the field of psychoanalysis and psychology as a whole. His emphasis on empathy and the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the healing process has shaped how therapists work with their clients.

Furthermore, Kohut's ideas have been instrumental in the development of relational psychoanalysis, which focuses on the ways in which individuals relate to others and how these relationships impact psychological well-being.

Conclusion

Heinz Kohut's work continues to be relevant and influential in the field of psychology. His emphasis on the importance of the self and the role of relationships in psychological development has paved the way for a deeper understanding of human behavior and the treatment of various psychological disorders.

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