WINNICOTT GOES TO THE MOVIES - THE FALSE SELF IN ORDINARY PEOPLE

Winnicott's theories of development, while appearing metaphorical and impressionistic, actually offer a remarkably consistent explanation fo r pathological character formation as an outcome of environmental fail ure. He suggested that faulty mothering can lead to a chain of disturb ing internal psychic events that necessitate a reorganization in the c hild. A major pathological resolution is the formation of a false self and false self bonds. Winnicott's recommendations for treating the cr ippling effects of the early traumata proceed logically from his conce pts of developmental pathology. The film, Ordinary People, offers a wa y of understanding the tragedy and then the hope stemming from the app lication of Winnicott's concepts.