The elusive concepty of 'Internal objects' (1934-1943) its role in the formation of the klein group

摘要

The author traces a debate about the concept of 'internal objects' that took place between 1937 and 1943 at a time when a group of British analysts was forming around Melanie Klein. The debate is set within a complex of personal, group and organisational dynam- Ics, which the paper makes a start on unravelling. The history of the British Psycho- Analytical Society at this time exemplifies Bion's notion of group schism. The events in The Society's history demonstrate defensive aspects of the interaction between the op- Posed groups, which support members against various anxieties.