Abstract
The authors take Mayman's (1968) procedure for gathering early memories as their point of departure by developing three theoretically and clinically relevant queries based on object relations theory. Two empirical studies were conducted to assess the projective potential and concurrent validity of these queries, while case vignettes illuminate their construct validity and clinical utility. The results of both studies and the case vignettes lend support to Mayman's theoretical conception of early memories as a unique and powerful projective tool.