Primacy of affects in human development: Discussion of Otto F. Kernberg’s “Some Implications of New Developments in Neurobiology for Psychoanalytic Object Relations Theory”

ABSTRACT In this commentary of Dr. Kernberg's important paper I highlight the importance of affects as motivators, particularly the SEEKING system. I question the utility of libido and aggression as the two superordinate constructs. And, I suggest incorporating defensive operations and defense mechanisms.