Projective Identification in Sexual Abuse Survivors and Their Partners

Abstract

This paper underscores the importance of understanding the role that a partner'S dynamics plays in the treatment of sexual abuse survivors. Through the use of clinical examples, the paper demonstrates how couples use projective identification mechanisms to collude in maintaining the belief that the survivor is the “identified patient” in the couple system. Discussion of the clinical material elaborates the function(s) that the partner'S conflict(s) serve in the maintenance of the sexual dysfunction which is often found in these partnerships. Identification and treatment of the partner'S intrapsych-ic conflict(s) furthers the change process in the interpersonal exchange.