%0 Journal Article
%T The burden of the ego-ideal and the refusal of development
%J British journal of psychotherapy
%D 2024
%A Rigg, Peter
%V ePub
%N ePub
%P ePub-ePub
%X This study provides an account of the way shame, intrusion or other adverse experiences in early childhood can prevent genuine identification with an ego-ideal, which is felt to be a burden. I argue that the ego-ideal is necessary to impel the individual towards continual growth and that its absence vitiates the formation of a durable ego. The paper points out the consequences for the subject, which include incapacitation of the ego and the desire to circumvent life.<p />
%G en
%I John Wiley and Sons
%@ 0265-9883
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjp.12901