The ego-ideal,the leader and analytic group psychotherapy

The theoretical position of this paper is that the essential character of the ego-ideal, a part of superego functioning, is unconcious and functions automatically. Precursors to superego development and egoideal formation begin at early pre-oedipal levels, and derivations in adult behavior contain primitive aspects. Ego-ideal is perfectionistic and impossible to obey; therefore, projection of this phenomena as well as its activity leads to disappointment, anger, anxiety, depression and despair. Pseudomoral injunctions frequently rationalize and disguise early primitive aspects of unconscious superego development and egoideal formation. These points are illustrated and interpreted by clinical material. The therapeutic action of the group and its leader, through the complexity of transference and projection, to help modify this critical, selfdefeating aspect of adult functioning is described.