Otto Kernberg’s
Theories of Personality
Group Members:
Bill Snell, Group Coordinator
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November 11, 2005
PY432
Fall 2005
Abstract
Otto Kernberg is a renown psychoanalyst who is
largely regarded as the world’s leading expert in
the fields of pathological narcissism and
borderline personality disorder. This
presentation will explore Otto Kernberg’s work
in these two fields, as well as his work in the field
of object-relations.
Introduction to Otto Kernberg
Born in
Germany
in 1928
Earned his medical
& psychoanalytic degree
In Chile in 1958
Has spoken in
most every
country with
psychoanalytic
presence.
Author
of 13books &
dozens of research
papers
Former President
of The International Psychoanalytic Association.
(Founded By Sigmund Freud)
Definition: An approach to
psychoanalysis that stresses
study of the interactions between
individuals, especially in
childhood.
Concerned with the
way in which the
self relates to
external objects at
various
developmental
stages.
Focuses on the
mother-infant
relationship
(especially how
the infant
internalizes it.)
Refers to the self
structure we internalize
in early childhood,
which functions as a
blueprint for
establishing and
maintaining future
relationships.
“Object”
actually
means
person
Kernberg’s Stage Theory of Object
Relations
• Stage I: Normal Autism (0-1 month).
• Stage II: Normal Symbiosis (2mos – 6-8mos).
– There are two clusters of object relations units; good self-object
representations, and bad.
• Stage III: Differentiation of self from object relations (6-8 mos –
18-36 mos).
– The good self-object differentiates into a good self and a good
object, same for the bad.
• Stage IV: Integration of self representations and object
representations and development of higher level intrapsychic
object relations-derived structures (36+mos – Oedipal period).
– The good and bad self representations are united into a definite
self system.
Physiological Units
Undifferentiated SelfObject Representation
Stage I
Stage II
Stage III
Stage IV
Good Self-Object Unit
Good
Self
Good
Object
Integrated
Self-Concept
Bad Self-Object Unit
Bad
Self
Bad
Object
Total
Object-Relations
Definition: A personality disorder
characterized by abrupt shifts in mood,
lack of a coherent sense of self, and
unpredictable, impulsive behavior.
Given it’s name because people with this disorder seemed to be
on the border between neurosis and psychosis
Treatment options include general healthcare facilities, specialized
Programs, and support services.
Reported to be present in 1-2%
of the general population.
Closely related to suicides, self harms, and deaths.
Borderline personality disorder rarely occurs alone,
and commonly occurs with other disorders,
like substance abuse or depression.
More common in males than in females
Characteristics of Borderline
Personality Disorder:
• History of impulsive behavior.
• Superficial social adaptiveness.
• Brief psychotic episodes.
• Difficulties in interpersonal relationships,
•
marred by devaluation, manipulation, and
demandingness.
Intense affect, usually of a strong, hostile,
or depressed nature.
Kernberg’s theories on Borderline
Personality disorder:
• Occurs during the third stage of development(the
differentiation of self from object relations).
• Kernberg postulated a theory based on a phenomenon he
describes as splitting.
• Splitting occurs when development is disrupted in the
third stage. The child responds by splitting
the aggressive self-objects away from the good self
objects
• This results in unrealistic views of others,
as they are seen only in black and white…
good or bad.
Definition: A personality disorder characterized by
adoption of an inflated self-image and demands for
attention and admiration.
Named after Narcissus, the mythological Greek
youth who fell in love with his own reflection.
Occurs mostly
in men.
Internal morality is weakened
because the positive aspects of
the superego are incorporated
into the self, and the prohibitive
ones are projected onto the
environment which thus becomes
critical and demanding.
Usually diagnosed
with other types of
mental
health disorder.
Characterized by an
over-involvement
with ones self and
an inordinate envy
of others.
Otto Kernberg and
Narcissistic Disorder
• Most current, cogent, and persuasive writer on
this subject
• He defines narcissism as “libidinal
investment of the self”
• Believes that narcissism develops
out of the cold, over-protective
mother
• Differentiated pathological
narcissism from normal narcissism.
Contributing factors to the formation of
Narcissism
A deficiency in any of the below may lead to some
narcissistic problems.
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The nature of internalized object representations.
The satisfaction of basic physical and emotional needs.
Love supplies
Esteem supplies
The supergo and its critical functions
The nature of the ego ideal
Reality achievements
Otto Kernberg and ObsessiveCompulsive Personality Disorder
1) Most current, cogent, and persuasive
writer on this subject
2) He defines narcissism as “libidinal
investment of the self”
3) Believes that narcissism develops out of
the cold, over-protective mother
4) Differentiated pathological version of
narcissism from normal narcissism.
Summary:
Otto Kernberg’s work in the fields of
pathological narcissism and borderline
personality disorder has contributed to
new ways in which to treat individuals
with these disorders. His innovative
thinking has opened a new realm of
research in the field of psychoanalytic
therapy. His contributions to
psychoanalysis has made him one of the
most profound modern day thinkers.
References
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Research Journal for the Human Sciences.
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among female university students. Undergraduate Research Journal for the
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Leible, T., & Snell, W. E., Jr. (2004). Borderline personality disorder and
multiple aspects of emotional intelligence. Personality and Individual
Differences, 37, 393-404.
Ozaki, N., & Snell, W. E., Jr. (2006). Gender roles and personality
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Rodgers, M. L., Snell, W. E., Jr., & Starrett, D. A. (2003). Internet
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39, 613-624.
Snell, W. E., Jr., & Overbey, G. (in press). Assessing belief in the 10
Commandments: The Multidimensional 10 Commandments Questionnaire.
Journal of Religion and Health.
Thomas, M., & Snell, W. E., Jr. (2004). Personality disorders and
university women’s contraceptive behavior. Journal of Psychology and the
Behavioral Sciences, 16-17, 1-10.
REFERENCES
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Anderson, J. W., & Winter, J. A. (2003). Recent psychodynamic theorists and their relevance to
psychobiography: Winnicott, Kernberg, and Kohut. Annual of Psychoanalysis, 31, 79-94.
Christopher, J. C., Bickhard, M. H., & Lambeth, G. S. (2001). Otto Kernberg’s object relations
theory. Theory & Psychology, 11(5), 687-711.
Christopher, J. C., Bickhard, M. H., & Lambeth, G. S. (1992). Splitting Kernberg: A critique of
Otto Kernberg’s notion of splitting. Psychotherapy, 29(3), 481-486.
Loewenstein, S. (1977). An overview of the concept of narcissism. Social Casework, 58(3), 136142.
McGinn, L. K. (1998). Interview: Otto F. Kernberg, M. D., F. A. P.A., developer of object relations
psychoanalytic therapy for borderline personality disorder. American Journal of Psychotherapy,
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Kernberg, O. F. (2001). Object relations, affects, and drives: Toward a new synthesis.
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Kernberg’s boderline personality organization <http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/bpd.html>
http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic270.htm
http://www.bpdresourcecenter.org/what.htm
http://www.wie.org/j17/Kern.asp?page=2
www.sci.csuhayward.edu/~dsandberg/PSYTXLECTS/PsytxLect04ObjRelts.htm
Kernberg, Otto (2004). Aggressively, Narcissism, and Self-Destructiveness in the
Psychotherapeutic Relationship: New Developments in the Psychopathology and Psychotherapy
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