ABSTRACT
In an examination of the relationship that exists between a mother and an infant it is necessary to separate out that which belongs to the mother and that which is starting to develop in the infant. Two distinct kinds of identification are involved, the mother's identification with her infant, and the infant's state of identification with the mother. The mother's ego is attuned to the ego of the infant, and she can give support only if she is able to orientate to her infant. The facilitating environment is absolutely and then relatively important, and the course of development can be described in terms of absolute dependence, relative dependence, and towards independence.
