Is Splitting Related to Resistance to Proactive Interference? A Process-Oriented Study of Kernberg's Conceptualization of Splitting

INTRODUCTION

Splitting, as a defense mechanism in Kernberg's theory, plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of polarized and oscillating representations of self/other characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Although the notion of splitting can be considered from a structural and a functional point of view, almost all empirical studies to date have focused on the former elements to the detriment of related cognitive processes.

METHODS

To further investigate the cognitive processes related to splitting, 60 participants were administered the Splitting Index and indexes of resistance to proactive interference (PI) using the interpersonal recent negative task with words that reflect negative or positive interactions compared to neutral words.

RESULTS

The use of splitting was uniquely and significantly predicted by a higher capacity to resist PI and a lower capacity to consistently maintain this resistance when presented with negative words, above and beyond BPD traits, primitive defenses, and the presentation of neutral words. Results showed no evidence of a relationship between splitting and resistance to PI with positive words.

CONCLUSION

Results appear compatible with Kernberg's conceptualization of splitting as an active defense process that relates to an unstable capacity to inhibit negative representations of the object from entering working memory.

Splitting in Normal and Pathological Populations from the Perspective of Predictive Control Theory

For the purpose of clarification, the defense mechanism of splitting is delimited into normal forms evident in healthy populations and pathological forms common to some psychopathological populations. Normal splitting is defined as a less extreme variant of pathological splitting which tends to evince more palpable splitting of the other-image compared to the self-image, largely as a result of the reasonably stable selfconcept typical of normal populations. Splitting is investigated within the evolutionary context and is presented as possessing adaptive antecedents which facilitate extrapsychic survival as it relates to intrapsychic survival. A new theory of splitting, entitled predictive control theory (PCT), is proposed which conceptualizes splitting as the facilitation of prediction and perceived control under threatening and/or stressful periods. This framework conceptualizes splitting as working with, rather than against, anxiety to facilitate rapid survival actions. The PCT model is examined in both normal and pathological development and adulthood.