ABSTRACT
This chapter explains difference between two broad types of entrenchment based on the quality of self-regard associated with them: those who are self-diminishing have a dysphoric emotional tone, while those who are self-contented are neutral or upbeat in feeling. Self-diminishing individuals are overly conscious of their flaws and limitations, while self-contented ones are insufficiently attuned to them. The chronically entrenched person may be obsessional or phobic, miserably depressive and masochistic, superior and grandiose, profoundly detached, avowedly hyper-rational, or in some other state. The category of self-contented entrenchment may include the so-called inflated narcissist, the self-satisfied individual, or the unreflective, complacent one. It also includes those who are overly developed in one particular cognitive style and who turn a blind eye to the difficulties associated with this style. The psychoanalytic literature generally addresses sort of individual in the context of discussing work with a difficult patient or dyad, examining the role of impasses, or in terms of an analysis becoming stuck.
