Infantile omnipotence and grandiosity.

A distinction is made between infantile omnipotence and grandiosity. The retention of the former is considered necessary for health and the latter is considered pathological. The former is described as feeling comfortable though it can also be perceived both subjectively and objectively as irrational. The latter is viewed as ultimately distressing, though it can be subjectively experienced as necessary. Grandiosity is seen as a defense against repressed omnipotence. The repression of omnipotence appears to be caused by parents who are threatened by its power. Ways of making the distinction between omnipotence and grandiosity are discussed. Means of treatment and clinical examples are given.