Explores how and why the use of projection stands in the way of self-understanding. Projection, the attribution to others of one's own impulses, thoughts, and shortcomings, involves alienation, denial, and displacement, and consists of an interpretively biased cognition about another person's perceived behavior. (KS)

Suggests criteria developed within context of Erikson's first five psychosocial stages that may help in evaluating self-concept and ego development. To assess strengths and weaknesses in self's growth as it progresses through the stages, five behavioral expressions tables are presented, each illustrating possible behaviors and implicit attitudes…

Whether one is working with clients in a clinic or students in school, it is useful to have a psychological framework within which behavioral observations and diagnostic considerations can be integrated and understood. One such approach begins with the assumption that each person has: (1) a self (a sense of personal existence); (2) a self-concept…