Search for the Real Self

by James F. Masterson

Book Overview

Describes the development and functioning of a healthy self, discusses the causes of personality disorders, and suggests treatment approaches.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0029202914
• ISBN13: 9780029202913
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Great information; not light reading

I'm about half way through the book now. It's definitely not light reading, and I'm probably going to have to read it another couple of times to really get it. But the information it contains seems to be both profound and very useful/helpful. I definitely recommend it.

the best book I've read on psychiatry

Masterson is extremely insightful about two common, and until recently considered untreatable, personality disorders: borderline spectrum and narcissism. He helps the reader to understand the etiology of these disorders and how both involve the creation of a false self. What I liked most about this book is that he doesn't treat people with these disorders as if they're an alien species ("crazy people"), while the rest of us are "normal". We all have a little borderline or narcissism in us. This is a compassionate and intelligent book.

The Real Deal

I have read a good deal of Winnicott and Bollas writing about the true self, and it has been enlightening and informative, yet somewhat nebulous. Without realizing it, this probably relates to the fact that coherent theories of the Self are sketchy and incomplete. Masterson masterfully reviews these theories, the confusion between ego and self and "I", then offers a very clear conceptualization of the self, with focus on the Real Self. Far apart from the romantic or mystical connotations one might have, Masterson addresses the components and development of the Real Self, he defines it as such to highlight the role of the Real Self in dealing with reality, and describes a therapeutic technique - and the crucial timing of its use - as a means of supporting self-initiation, especially with borderline and narcissistic personalities. This is a must read for professionals working from a psychodynamic and/or object relations framework. It should have some value for the lay person, although it is not designed as such. A beneficial surprise is Masterson's look at the real self in relationship to creativity - creativity in living and artisitic creativity, as well as a brief review of the fate of the Real Self in different cultures.

I found it very enlightening

After reading this book and picking it up to read passages over again I found it very close to heart. It made me understand why I may not be leading a fulfilling life, why I date a certain type of woman, and why I fail at relationships. Whether its truly "the answer" to all negative and self-defeating behavior I don't know. But it certainly makes one pause.

A bit academic, but will help your self discovery

This is the book that Dr. Drew on "LoveLine" recommends to his listeners.This book will help you understand your behaviours in relationships and the driving force behind your behaviours. Primarily it deals with narcissism disorder, borderline peronality disorder, fear intimacy, abandonment depression and separation anxiety and how these underlying disorders manifests itself in your relationships. He describes the theories which explain the behaviour and then describes real life cases of people with these disorders and how they conduct themselves in relationships. After reading this, you will better understand your defenses that help the false self prevail over the real self and how to develop the real self so that you can express yourself genuinely in your life. You will also know how to recognize these behaviours in others and know which people to watch out for and know when you are engaging in descructive relationships. It really gives you some insight into yourself and others' actions. This is a great book for anyone looking to engage in some self therapy and discovering oneself. I highly recommend it.