ABSTRACT
It is clear that there is a close relation between the concepts of aim-inhibition, idealization and sublimation, a fact which present-day observations fully confirm. An attitude is adopted towards favourite toys which can scarcely be distinguished from the idealization of the object. The same attitude can sometimes be detected in the child's word-play, an activity which is extremely pronounced in adult idealization. Still more interesting is the fact that during this phase of idealization of natural surroundings, the patient alternates rapidly between a sense of being in security and an apprehension of great danger together with a feeling of isolation which may develop into a sense of alienation. This suggests that one of the aims of the regression is to seek for and secure the comforts of an idealized relation with primitive objects. Finally, these early idealizations have a considerable reassurance value and can take part in the process of 'libidinizing' anxiety objects.
