Heinz Kohut
Quick Summary
Heinz Kohut was an American psychoanalyst who developed self psychology. This approach emphasizes the importance of empathy and the development of the self. Kohut believed that early childhood experiences, particularly the quality of parental responsiveness, are crucial for forming a healthy sense of self.12
Self psychology posits that individuals need to feel understood and validated by their caregivers to develop a cohesive self. When this doesn't happen, it can lead to self-deficits. Kohut's work offered an alternative to traditional psychoanalytic theories that focused more on drives and conflicts.345
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
