Character Structure

An Object Relations Perspective

Authors

  • Homayoun Shahri

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30820/0743-4804-2025-35-89

Keywords:

antilibidinal ego, central ego, character structure, libidinal ego, object relations theory

Abstract

In this paper, I analyze character structures based on Object Relations Theory. I discuss three phases of object relating, 1) an undifferentiation phase, 2) an incorporating phase, 3) pre-object relating phase, and 4) a full object relating phase, resulting in internalization. This approach naturally lends itself to identifying the schizophrenic character, and early and late borderline organizations. It is seen that the early and late borderline organizations are related to transitional periods between object relating stages. I also introduce treatment approaches, notwithstanding somatic interventions, based on Object Relations Theory and the theory that I present in this paper. I discuss a possible origin of certain types of auto-immune disorders which may be related to early trauma. I point out the difference between incorporation and internalization, as defenses related to early and late infancy. I present the implications of incorporation vs internalization in character formation as well as in auto-immune disorders vs psychological disorders manifested by attacks by the internalized bad objects. In this paper, I refer to the child as a boy, instead of a girl or they.

Author Biography

Homayoun Shahri

Homayoun Shahri, Ph.D., M.A., CBT, LMFT, received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering specializing in coding and information theory from Lehigh University in 1990, and his Master of Arts in clinical and somatic psychology from Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (now part of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) in 2012. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has a private practice in Lake Forest, CA, USA. Homayoun is a Certified Bioenergetic Therapist and is a member of the International Institute of Bioenergetic Analysis (IIBA) and the Southern California Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis (SCIBA). He is on the editorial board of the IIBA journal and is a local trainer at SCIBA. Homayoun is a member of the United States Association of Body Psychotherapy (USABP) and is on the peer review board of the International Body Psychotherapy Journal (IBPJ). http://www.ravonkavi.com/
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How to Cite

Shahri, H. (2025). Character Structure: An Object Relations Perspective. Bioenergetic Analysis, 35(1), 89–119. https://doi.org/10.30820/0743-4804-2025-35-89

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Section

Articles