Sigmund Freud, in his recorded cases, studied the topic of -Guilt- and its consequences, both directly and indirectly, such as in the cases of Anna O., the Schreber case, little Hans, and others. The first two are attributed to the guilt of their sexual desires, while Hans's guilt arises from his aggressive fantasies toward his father.

It is well known that the ability of the Ego to withstand guilt varies from person to person. Therefore, the defenses that the Ego will employ are a function of this ability, as we will see in the following sections.

[Excerpt from the introduction text of the edition]