THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SATANIC CULT INVOLVEMENT: AN ...

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CHAPTER 9
FROM FAIRBAIRN TO AN INTEGRATED OBJECT RELATIONS MODEL OF
INTRAPSYCHIC STRUCTURE FORMATION
Introduction
Fairbairn has been described as a "Kleinian revisionist" (Grotstein & Rinsley, 1994), but
his object relations theory has contributed so significantly to our understanding of
intrapsychic structure that it warrants separate discussion. A second reason for a closer
examination of Fairbairn's work is his occasional reference to demonic possession as a
metaphor for the seWs relationship with bad internal objects. This may be extended
beyond Fairbairn's original metaphorical intention to understand the intrapsychic life of
those who understand themselves to be literally possessed, and who invite demonic
possession by means of satanic worship. This section will firstly examine Fairbairn's
seminal contribution to understanding the power of bad internal objects and their internal
status as psychic structures, rather than simply fantasies. Secondly, the implications of
this theory for understanding demonic possession will be discussed. Following this, key
concepts relating to the internalisation ofobjects and formation of psychic structures will
be outlined before an integrated object relations model of satanic cult involvement and
demonic possession is presented in the following chapter.
9.1 Object relations as endopsychic structures
For both Klein and Fairbairn, disturbances in psychological life arise from defensive
cleavages in the ego as the young child struggles intrapsychically with bad internal
objects. However, the origin, nature, function, and intrapsychic status of these objects
differs considerably. The conceptual similarities and differences between Klein and
Fairbairn will be discussed below, with a view to using Fairbairn's insights to build upon
certain deficiencies in Klein's theory ofinternal objects and their origin.
To begin with, the intrapsychic status of internal objects is unclear in Klein's work
(Ogden, 1994; Perlow, 1995).
Kleinians have traditionally understood them to be