Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

In ego psychology, what is a major fear for a person diagnosed with schizophrenia regarding separation-individuation?

1. The destruction of the self

2. A loss of parental love

3. Guilt in separating from family

4. The destruction of the parent

The correct answer is: The destruction of the self

In ego psychology, particularly in the context of schizophrenia, a major fear concerning separation-individuation relates to the destruction of the self. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience a profound sense of fragmentation or a lack of cohesive identity, making the process of separating from their primary caregivers or significant others particularly anxiety-provoking. The fear of losing one's sense of self can be tied to the challenges they face in developing autonomy and a stable sense of identity during crucial developmental stages. Separation-individuation is a developmental process where an individual learns to differentiate themselves from their primary caregivers. For someone with schizophrenia, this process might be fraught with anxiety about the potential disintegration of their sense of self if they were to separate or individuate too much. This fear can manifest as paranoia or a sense of unreality, reflecting the deep psychological struggle they face in forming a stable identity amid their symptoms. In contrast, other options may relate to valid concerns in different contexts but do not encapsulate the primary anxiety experienced in the framework of ego psychology concerning separation-individuation in schizophrenia. For instance, fears concerning loss of parental love or guilt in separating from family, while relevant, do not directly address the unique identity challenges individuals with schizophrenia encounter.