Clarification of projective identification

Abstract

This paper clarifies the various current usages of the term "projective identification." The author presents a broad reference model of projective identification based on the work of Ogden. This model divides projective identification into three steps. Step 1 is the projection of a part of oneself onto an external object. Step 1a is the blurring of self and object representations. Step 2 is an interpersonal interaction in which the projector actively pressures the recipient to think, feel, and act in accordance with the projection. Step 3 is the reinternalization of the projection after it has been psychologically processed by the recipient. The different definitions of projective identification are shown to relate to exactly how the term "projection" is conceptualized (in step 1), to whether step 1a is deemed necessary, and to how many of the three steps are required for the definition of projective identification. The author reviews the work of Ogden, Kernberg, Meissner, Sandler, Malin and Grotstein, Porder, and Zinner et al. Six detailed case examples are provided from within and outside psychotherapy to illustrate all three steps of projective identification.