Consciousness, splitting, and the dynamic unconscious: commentary on Kernberg

Otto Kernberg presents a sophisticated approach integrating neurobiology and object relations and calling for revisions to both drive theory and the dynamic unconscious. This commentary briefly addresses Kernberg’s revision of drive theory before focusing upon his theory of splitting and the dynamic unconscious. Although Kernberg’s theory of affect systems, conflict, and the dynamic unconscious provides an important contribution, there are nevertheless several gaps in his theory that require addressing before being able to fully assess his proposal.