Firestone, R.W. (1993). The psychodynamics of fantasy, addiction, and addictive attachments. American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 53(4), 335-352.

This article elucidates the relationship between fantasy and addiction and describes addiction as a primary function of the self-parenting process. In presenting a comparative model of mental health versus psychopathology in terms of the self-parenting process, the author discusses 3 categories of individuals: the person with extreme propensities for fantasy and isolation; the person who uses elements of reality primarily to reinforce and support an ongoing fantasy process rather than really investing in relationships and career; and the person who lives a realistic committed life whose actions match aspirations and capabilities. A therapeutic approach is presented which (1) challenges and disrupts the addictive patterns and (2) encourages movement toward real gratification and autonomy in the external environment.

Firestone, R.W. (1987). Destructive effects of the fantasy bond in couple and family relationships. Psychotherapy, 24(2), 233-239.

This article discusses the damage caused by the formation of a fantasy bond in marital and family processes. The fantasy bond is originally formed to cope with the pain of emotional or physical deprivation. Imaginary fusion attempts to heal the fracture by providing partial gratification of primary needs, thereby reducing tension. From that point on, the fantasy bond acts as a painkilling drug that becomes habit-forming. The author describes the dynamics involved in forming a fantasy bond, the resulting symptomatology, and the psychological damage both to the relationship and to the individuals involved.

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.