ABSTRACT
Immersed in the separation-individuation developmental model, Masterson (1972) realized the importance of maternal libidinal availability in supporting the evolving True Self. Central to the developmental self and object relations approach of Masterson, the borderline analysand's dilemma was related to a borderline mother who consciously and unconsciously fostered clinging or distancing relatedness due to her separation-individuation traumas. Synoptically, such a state of affairs is achieved by withdrawing or punishing the child when they express separation and individuation (self-activation) needs, while actively supporting regressive or enmeshed behavior (consciously or otherwise). Given the latter, the separation-individuation phase is severely stifled and much-needed autonomy strivings impaired, creating an unconscious anti-separation-individuation system that is reflected in a specific self and object representation, ego functions, and use of defense mechanisms.
