The Racket System and Structural Analysis

Abstract

The Racket System beliefs, described by R. Erskine and M. Zalcman, are considered in structural analytic terms. Beliefs about self and beliefs about others are presented as prelogical conclusions formed in early, preoperational stages of childhood, and hence represent Child content. Beliefs about the quality of life and about the nature of the world are thought of as parental introjects, and thus reflect Parent content. These Child and Parent belief systems contaminate the Adult. Working through and resolution of Parent contamination facilitates subsequent work with Child contamination. The relationship between Erskine and Zalcman's core beliefs and supporting beliefs to the Parent and Child beliefs is elaborated.