ABSTRACT
A symbol is an object or activity which is used as a substitute for something else, and which is very different from that which is being symbolised. Thus, the word ‘cat’ can stand for a cat, and we do not need to be able to see, touch and handle an actual cat in order to communicate about it. It is also not like a cat in any way. Symbolisation is dependent upon the capacity to feel separate from the outside world and upon being motivated to communicate about what is being experi enced. It is therefore dependent on the capacity to tolerate frustration to some extent.
