ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to provide an addendum to Fairbairn’s description of the origins of the endopsychic structure. In particular, it challenges his idea that good objects do not exist in the endopsychic structure. Taking a developmental approach, it is argued that during the earliest days of life, good objects are internalized but not repressed. However, the development of ambivalence during Klein’s depressive position is accompanied by intense conflicts, divided loyalties, guilt and pain. The author argues that in order to avoid the pain inherent in the development of ambivalence, the good object may be internalized and repressed. Clinical examples are used to illustrate these ideas.
