a term used in object relations theory (Fairburn, 1889-) to refer to a non-pleasurable, deprecatory, and sometimes hostile self-image. It is thought to arise in infanthood out of the innate ego, when an infant experiences deprivation of some kind, and then internalizes the feelings associated with this frustration. In Freud’s theory, this concept is similar to the superego. Also known as internal saboteur. See also Eairbairnian theory.
ANT ILIHIDINAL EGO: “The person’s antilihidinal ego responses led him or her to hold a negative view of him or herself, that resulted in him or her making self-deprecatory comments.”