Posted by pegasus on March 17, 2004, at 23:21:28
In reply to Ego strength, posted by Dinah on March 17, 2004, at 21:04:56
Ya know, I thought I knew what ego strength was, but now after reading these posts, I've gotten all confused again. So here are some definitions I got from the web:
"If ego is the self in contact with reality, then ego-strength refers to the strength of our sense of self or person to look life in the face without caving in or being overwhelmed. The strength of ego-strength is the power, determination, road ability to engage reality for whatever we find it to be. This highlights ego-strength as the ability to accept what is as existing and to then use our cognitive-behavioral, emotional and relational skills to deal with such. Ego-strength then is our ability to play the Game of Life according to whatever curves life throws at us. Ego-strength also refers to the inner personal strength by which we tolerate stress and frustration. It is ego-strength that allows us to deal with reality without falling back to infantile defense mechanisms."
"The ability of the ego to execute its functions, to mediate between the external world, the id, and the superego effectively and efficiently, so that energy is left over for creativity and other integrative activities. Among specific functions that may be assessed in determining ego strength are judgment, reality testing, regulation of drives, defensive functions, thought processes, and object relations."
I don't really like the part about infantile defense mechanisms, but other than that, this seems to be more or less what you were talking about, Dinah, and more.
- p
poster:pegasus
thread:325443
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040313/msgs/325497.html