The Glendon Association

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.