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What, according to Melanie Klein, catalyzes the formation of the unconscious?

  • Physical Pain

  • Pre-verbal Existential Anxiety in Infancy

  • Parental Discipline

  • Food Preferences

Answer

Melanie Klein believes that the unconscious is formed in response to pre-verbal existential anxiety in infancy. This anxiety is caused by the infant's separation from the mother, and it manifests itself in the form of fantasies of attack and retaliation. In order to cope with this anxiety, the infant develops defense mechanisms such as splitting and projection.
Uncovering the Psyche: The Melanie Klein Quiz

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