The author proposes a developmental metatheory of psychopathology that
integrates and transcends major psychoanalytic schools and perspectiv
es. The roles of both deficits and conflicts, interfaced with signific
ant maternal and paternal relationship patterns, are explored at diffe
rent phases of maturation. For heuristic purposes, a fourfold matrix-d
yadic deficit, dyadic conflict, triadic deficit, triadic conflict-is d
elineated. Developmental precursors and clinical characteristics of ea
ch prototype are presented.