Self psychology and ego psychology: A historical perspective

This paper takes a historical perspective as to the current debate between ego psychologists and self psychologists. By looking at the psychological functions of the self, the ego, and the superego, one can see substantial areas of overlap between the theories. The two theories are described and compared along the lines of these psychological functions. They are then applied to six clinical issues; primary developmental crisis, transference variations, conflict and defecit, modifications in technique, developmental lines, and the relationship between the ego and the self. The conclusion is drawn that a more comprehensive understanding of the theories as they apply to clinical phenomena needs to be developed before a determination can be made as to their compatibility.