An Analysis of Self: The Development and Assessment of a Measure of Selfobject Needs

ABSTRACT

Based on the psychoanalysis of adults with borderline and narcissistic personality disorder symptoms, Kohut (1971, 1977, 1980, 1984) formulated a theory of self psychology that emphasized the importance of early developmental experiences; most centrally, the empathic attunement of caregivers as key ingredients for fostering the capacity for healthy self-regulation and interpersonal relations. Kohut elaborated 3 critical selfobject needs (i.e., idealizing, mirroring, and twinship) that were ideally satiated by these early experiences, deeming the fulfillment of these needs as essential for developing a healthy sense of self. The research presented here sought to develop a self-report measure, titled the Arble Estimate of Selfobject Pursuits (AESOP), capable of assessing the selfobject needs identified by Kohut. Across 2 studies involving 686 and 672 respondents, participants completed the AESOP. In the first study, an exploratory factor analysis supported the theorized 3-factor structure. In the second study, a confirmatory factor analysis indicated adequate-to-strong model fit and cluster analysis with theoretically related measures supported the AESOP's discriminant and convergent validity. Further research is encouraged to elaborate the implications of these preliminary findings.

Acknowledgments

This article is derived from the first author's dissertation research. The study authors would like to thank the team of expert raters for their generosity and the central role they played in the present research: Dr. Martin S. Livingston, Dr. Charles B. Strozier, Dr. Aviva Rohde, and Dr. John H. Porcerelli.