ABSTRACT
The theoretical basis for thinking in this chapter centres on a particular aspect of the development of the self, development that takes place through introjective identification. Healthy development depends greatly on the availability of appropriate models of individuals, relationships and situations for such identification. These models may be found in the adults who care for the children, their relationship with the children and with each other, and the setting for care. Healthy development may also require the management of the child’s identification with inappropriate models, for example with other children in institutions for delinquent or maladjusted children.
