Mental representations in personality development, psychopathology, and the therapeutic process

Sidney J. Blatt, John S. Auerbach, Kenneth N. Levy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

180 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article considers the construct of mental representation from the perspectives of psychoanalytic object-relations theory and cognitive developmental psychology and the congruence of these formulations with research and theory in cognitive science and social cognition. Concepts of mental representation are applied to the study of psychopathology, personality assessment, interpersonal relationships or attachment styles, and therapeutic progress in the long-term, inpatient treatment of seriously disturbed adolescents and young adults. Understanding of personality development, psychopathology, and the therapeutic process is greatly enhanced by this constructivist perspective, which considers the construction of mental representations or cognitive-affective schemas to be a central constituent of personality development and organization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)351-374
Number of pages24
JournalReview of General Psychology
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1997

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Psychology

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