Intergenerational transmission, projective identification, and parent-work : a theoretical and clinical study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of projective identification in the intergenerational transmission of parental issues. A more detailed understanding of this process promises to facilitate parent-work and parent-infant therapy interventions. The study was conducted in two parts. Part one comprised theoretical research, using the method of conceptual analysis to investigate the nature of projective identification and how it might be involved in intergenerational transmission. Twelve areas of controversy in the literature were identified and addressed, resulting in the development of a new general model of projective identification. The model highlights the link felt between the part of the self which is experienced as being in the other and the ensuing deficit (termed an active deficit) in the self. Consequently, a four-step explanation of intergenerational transmission of parental issues was elaborated. Part two of the study was an empirical investigation to address the questions whether projective identification can be systematically detected within a clinical setting and, if so, what is the relationship between projective identification and parental reflective functioning (PRF). Case studies of parent-child dyads were conducted by the researcherclinician with five parents (two couples, one single) in parent-work sessions, and three children in concurrent therapy with the same clinician. A three-step protocol to detect projective identification was derived from the general model. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the parent session transcripts and child session notes revealed themes which were then examined within the protocol. Several instances of projective identification from parent to child were detected. When these results were compared to PRF, as assessed by the Parent Development Interview (PDI), projective identification was shown to be associated with low PRF. It is suggested that projective identification includes a component which actively blocks PRF. The study offers both theoretical and clinical contributions, including the development of a general model of projective identification, clarification of its role in the intergenerational transmission of parental issues, and the facilitation of further empirical research designed to target projective identification in parenting interventions, potentially increasing PRF.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	English