The Glendon Association

Firestone, R.W. (1984). A concept of the primary fantasy bond: A developmental perspective. Psychotherapy, 21(2), 218-225.

This article states a theoretical position that is the outgrowth of 27 years of research into the problem of resistance in psychotherapy. Resistance to change or progress is centered in the patterns of thoughts and behaviors that serve to protect a core defense. The article describes the formation of a “primary fantasy bond” (a delusion of being connected to the mother) which begins in infancy and persists as a defense throughout childhood and into adult life. The hypotheses presented are supported by data gathered from three sources: from schizophrenic patients in a residential setting, from neurotic and “normal” patients in private practice, and from colleagues and friends.