The Personality Disorders Through the Lens of Attachment Theory and the Neurobiologic Development of the Self: A Clinical Integration

by James F. Masterson (editor)

The culmination of 40 years of research into the personality disorders, this book documents the breakthrough integration that has brought Dr.Masterson’s theory into its fullest possible dimension. Initially descriptive, it evolved into a developmental theory, then into a developmental object relations theory, and, finally, into a developmental self and object relations theory. Now, with the recent emergence of attachment theory and the theory of the neurobiologic development of the self, the picture is complete and a clear and comprehensive statement to depict the origin and development of the personality disorders has taken shape. Dr. Masterson and his fine team of coauthors have assembled a rich and comprehensive volume that features discussions of transference and countertransference, consciousness, mother-infant attachment, the psychotherapy of trauma, and therapeutic neutrality under challenge, among many other important topics. The members of the team are Margot T. Beattie, Barbara L. Short, Donald D. Roberts, Ken Seider, Steven K. Reed, Joseph Farley, Jerry S. Katz, and Judith Pearson.

Genres: Psychology

243 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Yahya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitap iki ana bölümden oluşuyor. İlk bölüm biraz daha kuramsal iken ikinci kısım vaka örnekleri içeriyor. İlk kısımda bağlanma ve nesne iliişkileri kuramı kendilik üzerindeki etkisini genel olarak anlatırken daha sonra kitabın eksenini oluşturan borderline, narsisistik ve şizoid kişilik bozuklukları üçlüsüne değiniyor. Yani aslında kitap isminden ziyade bu üçlü kişilik bozukluk ekseni etrafında yazılmış. Daha sonra her biri ile ilgili vaka örnekleri bulunuyor. Hatta kitabın üçte birini 6 yıl destek almış tek bir vaka oluşturuyor. Alana ilgi duyanlar için güzel bir kitap ama biraz kuramsal doğal olarak.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

In regard to content, this is a helpful supplement to prior works on the Masterson approach. As another reviewer mentioned, some editorial work would have been very helpful, as would simple proofreading, unfortunately. Thankfully, these issues are more of a distraction and minor nuisance; there is still much value to be gained from the reviews of key concepts and clear clinical illustrations.

[Desirae Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

so insightful! however, I felt that it was could get difficult to understand for no reason. some of the languages tended to be overly complicated.
Also, I don't think they went nearly deep enough into Narcissism.
The detail on infant attachment was so interesting and really tied the book together!

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although incredibly dense, Masterson's work speaks for itself. However, the editing could have been better - as the book is composed of separate essays written by different individuals, there is a lot of unnecessary repetition.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Masterton was ahead of the field over the past couple of decades in terms of psychoanalytically focused thinking about personality and personality disorders. Here, he seems to be catching up with the new wave theories in this areas; his old base of information with some new additions are avenues. The integration is reasonably thorough, yet it feels not entirely integrated, ironically enough. Still a valuable text. Probably better texts out there on the subject from newer researchers and authors, still, for those familiar with Masterton's work and writing this will be a warm and welcome addition.