Self Psychology is best described as:

Self Psychology is best described as:

• A. A modern psychoanalytic theory created by Heinz Kohut, focusing on understanding the self as the central agency of the human psyche through vicarious introspection.
• B. A theory emphasizing the person’s early object relations and attachment.
• C. A cognitive-behavioral approach focusing on symptom reduction.
• D. A humanistic approach emphasizing unconditional positive regard.

Answer: (A)

Self Psychology centers on the self as the central organizing force of personality. Developed by Heinz Kohut, it emphasizes how the self develops through empathic attunement and through selfobjects—others who reflect, support, and idealize the self to maintain cohesion. A key feature is vicarious introspection, where the therapist mirrors the patient’s inner experiences to validate and strengthen the patient’s sense of self. Problems are understood as disruptions in self-cohesion and relational empathic attunement, rather than just unconscious drives or surface symptoms. This focus on the self and its relationships through empathic attunement is what makes it the best description.

Self Psychology centers on the self as the central organizing force of personality. Developed by Heinz Kohut, it emphasizes how the self develops through empathic attunement and through selfobjects—others who reflect, support, and idealize the self to maintain cohesion. A key feature is vicarious introspection, where the therapist mirrors the patient’s inner experiences to validate and strengthen the patient’s sense of self. Problems are understood as disruptions in self-cohesion and relational empathic attunement, rather than just unconscious drives or surface symptoms. This focus on the self and its relationships through empathic attunement is what makes it the best description.