Psychic equivalence describes a mind-state where no distinction is drawn between the contents of the mind and the external world – where what is thought in the mind is assumed to be automatically true.
Origins Psychic equivalence is a primitive mind-state which precedes in infancy the capacity for mentalization, that is, for reflection upon both inner and outer worlds. In psychic equivalence mode, if the child thinks there is a monster in the closet it believes there really is a monster in the closet;J Allen, Mentalizing in Clinical Practice (2008) p. 90 if the inner world feels harmonious, the world outside is also harmonious.S Fraiberg, The Magic Years (New York 1987) p. 7 Psychic equivalence is thus a form of concrete understanding of the world, self-convinced, that blocks all curiosity about alternative mind-views.P Robinson, Hunger (2018) p. 22 and p. 56
In later life Psychic equivalence reappears in later life in the course of dreams, delusions, and traumatic flashbacks.J Allen, Mentalizing in Clinical Practice (2008) p. 91-2 It involves a temporary loss of awareness of the difference between external reality and the contents of the mind:P Williams ed, The Psychoanalytic Therapy of Severe Disturbances (2010) p. 51-2 thus in post traumatic stress disorder the individual is convinced (perhaps years later) they are actually back in the situation of the original trauma, a complete loss of perspective.D Goleman, Emotional Intelligence (London 1996) p. 203
Where a defensive false self has been built up since infancy to defend against the anxieties of psychic equivalence, subsequent collapse of the narcissistic structure can lead to the re-emergence of the terrifying impingement by reality of psychic equivalence.G Goodman Transforming the Internal World and Attachment 1 (2010) p. 182
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External links psychic equivalence