ABSTRACT
The analysis of fifteen patients whose tendency for moral absolutes presented potentially intractable problems regarding their initial engagement in treatment, gives rise to a radical revision of superego generation. Two generically distinct stages of superego development are defined, identifying the Oedipal superego as the developmentally later stage. The analyst’s recognition of which stage is dominant in their patient is shown to be essential, if serious psychological harm is to be avoided. Guidelines for differentiation and treatment are given. It is shown, through clinical evidence, how the Oedipal superego is forged through challenge, by the embryonic ego, to what are feared to be incontestable fiats of the original, archaic superego. The over-rigid morality of the patients can be attributed to the continuing dominance of an archaic superego, leaving a ‘petrified’ ego encapsulated within.
