1. Psychodynamic Theories: Object Relations
SOW6425 Assessment and Planning
Professor Nan VanDenBergh, PhD, LCSW

2. Overview of Object Relations Theory
1st.meaning object relations( Ego Function): ability to have productive relationships with others in a variety of contexts
Interactions with early caregivers are especially significant in determining object relations with others
2nd meaning object relations ( Object Relations Theory): internalized attitudes toward others and oneself
These attitudes affect one’s self perception
They also affect one’s approach to new relationships
Objects: People in the external world with whom an infant, child and adult interact, or portions of their personalities
Internal object: representation or mental image of someone in the external world
External object: an existing person (of whom you can also have an internal representation)

3. Overview of Object Relations Theory (cont.)
Focuses on the internal representations of one’s relationships and how they shape thoughts, feelings and behavior toward others, and the self
Shift from focus on drives to relationships
Contributions of object relations theory:
Understanding attachments
One’s inner world composed of representations of others
Balancing being alone and being with others

4. Evolution of Object Relations Theory
Psychoanalysis focused on drives. View of human nature pessimistic, an ongoing conflict to resolve drives: pleasure(sexual) and aggression; mastery and competence
Ego psychology views humans as less drive ridden and capable of adapting to their environment to meet needs
Object relations’ theorists looks at human relationships as key in forming personality and facilitating adaption to the environment

5. Effects of Early Nurturing
Childhood experiences with abuse, poverty, neglect, and family struggles correlate with later health problems (physical and mental health)
Relational experiences of infants and children affect central nervous system mechanisms that govern physiological and psychological responses to stress
Attachment difficulties during the first 3 years of life impact brain development and can continue to do so through age 20

6. Effects of early nurturing (cont.)
Animal studies have shown that receiving warm and responsive attention from a care provider prevents elevations in stress hormones
more receptor sites for stress-mediating neurochemicals are produced
Insecure relationships are associated with higher stress hormone production (cortisol)

7. Gender Analysis of Object Relations Theory
Women and men approach relationships differently
Evidence for neonatal differences (mental and physical) based on exposure to testosterone levels
Masculine or feminine behaviors demonstrated by a person may have a hormonal etiology; but also influenced by cultural and social realities
One gender perspective is that demonstration of feminine or masculine traits develops from early childhood relationships
Pressure for boys to separate from mother deters males from a learned capacity for intimacy and relatedness
Second gender perspective is that women value connectedness whereas males value separateness
Women make “moral” decisions ( what is right or wrong) through a concern with “caring;” whereas males focus on what is “just”

8. Major Concepts of Object Relations Theory: Attachment
All people have an inherent biological need to form attachments
Satisfactory human development is dependent on healthy early attachments
There may be critical periods when failure to experience a care-providing relationship can have long term consequences
Anaclitic depression

9. Major Concepts of Object Relations Theory: Introjection and Identification
Introjection,1st. Definition: Psychologically “taking in” the characteristics of another person
Example: Child fearful of aggressive parent “takes in” characteristics of aggression
Identification: To identify and feel safe with the parent, the child could then develop aggressive behavioral tendencies
2nd. definition: Process of carrying images of others, psychologically, when they are not physically present (object constancy)

10. Major Concepts of Object Relations Theory: Representation
The content, or result, of an introjection
A cognitive construction with deep emotional resonance
Internal images of other people formed consciously, or unconsciously
How a person psychically represents an object
Quality of images crucial to development of stable or unstable object relations
Representations are accompanied by affects, strong feelings, experienced when in presence of others similar to ones earlier “representations”
Rigid and controlling bosses, with whom you have conflict, may elicit representations of a rigid and controlling parent
These representations can form the basis of transference responses

11. Object Relations Problems
Early deprivation in caregiving and the environment can create individuals with anxiety who are at risk for mental health problems
Defenses associated with object relations problems include: denial, projection, projective identification and splitting
Splitting: characterizes how a person sees others as being “all good” or “all bad” prior to seeing them as “whole” with both good and bad qualities
Splitting is a universal coping mechanism for children.
This is unlearned by understanding that “Mommy is upset but still loves you...”

12. Object Relations Problems (cont.)
People with significantly impaired object relations are frequently in conflict with others
Such persons cannot integrate the positive and negative aspects of others
Result is “loving” or “hating” another
This kind of splitting is often associated with a borderline personality disorder

13. Major Concepts of Object Relations Theory: Part Objects and Whole Objects
Part object: One or several characteristics internalized about a person but not the “total” person ( internalized representations of a caring OR a hostile parent; but, not representations of both simultaneously)
Whole object is internalization of ALL aspects of another person (capacity to integrate both gratifying and frustrating experiences with care provider)
Capacity to internalize a whole object represents psychological maturity

14. Major Concepts of Object Relations Theory: Self-objects, True and False Self
Self-object: internalization of one’s own SELF
We internalize aspects of ourselves (in whole or in part) as well as our experiences of others.
Could feel positively, negatively or both about ourselves
True self: self-object representation wherein a person recognizes possessing a variety of characteristics (positive and negative) as well as various personal needs
False self: Devaluing personal needs in deference to others’ needs
This could lead to a “victim,” “martyr,” self-sacrificing person (Acquiescence could mask bitterness and hostility regarding unmeet needs)
“sorry syndrome….”

15. Major Concepts of Object Relations Theory: Object Constancy
Object constancy: Capacity to carry whole object representations of significant people even when separated from them
With object constancy person can balance being alone and being with others
They are aware that others care about them even when not in the presence of those “others”
“ The capacity to be alone,” is a marker of ego maturity

16. David Winnicott Object Relations Contributions
Facilitative environment: Comprised of people and resources that meet the infant’s needs for healthy development
Facilitative environment allows for moving from dependence to independence
Holding environment: “safe space” whereby the child can explore the world and take risks.
The social worker provides a “holding environment” for the client
“Good enough mother”: Focused on meeting the needs of the child, above all else.
Social worker becomes the “good enough parent….”
Transitional object: physical object adopted by the child, giving her the sense of the parent being with her, although physically separate from the parent (example: blanket, stuffed toy, etc.)
Transitional objects are not universal, only existing in societies that value independence

17. Margaret Mahler and Object Relations’ Concepts
Psychological Birth of the Infant, 1975 (observed bonding behaviors between mothers and babies)
Separation and individuation process: 3 years in duration, wherein child moves from complete dependence to “object constancy”
1st stage, autism (birth to 1 month): infant senses no difference between self and the external world
Sight is not developed at this stage
Infant exists within own world in a pre-attachment phase
2nd stage, symbiosis (2 to 5 months): infant senses an “other” who exists to meet her/his needs
Parent begins to respond to or “mirror” the infant’s individual characteristics
Sensations child experiences from mother form the core of sense of slef
Beginning of the capacity to invest in another person: smiling occurs

18. Margaret Mahler (continued)
3rd stage, separation individuation: has four sub-stages:
Differentiation, (5 to 10 months): infant becomes more outwardly directed, “hatched,”
Has the capacity to function apart from care provider (held by others)
Begins to separate from care provider
Separation anxiety can occur until mother is “found”
Practicing, (10 to 16 months): infant begins to intentionally separate from others (i.e. crawling away)
Feels pull of outside world but also needs closeness to parent
Child experiences power and grandiosity when “exploring”
Rapprochement, (16-24 months): child learns she can be apart from “other” however she can call for “help” (i.e. toddlers)
Moves back and forth between autonomy and dependence: ambivalence
Desires constant reassurance from care provider but still pushes her away
Object constancy, (24-36 months): child has “internalized an image of the other” (object) and can spend longer time alone without feeling abandoned
Incorporates whole object representation of mother

19. Margaret Mahler (continued)
Suggestion has been made that the separation/individuation process repeats within adolescence as the teen progressively attempts to individuate and differentiate
Erikson’s life state of identity diffusion vs. Identity consolidation

20. Client Change Through Object Relations: Goals of Treatment
Develop insight into their repetitive negative interpersonal relationships (developmental reflection)
Modify their internal “objects” (representations of self and others) so that they can respond to people in their present, as unique, not “ghosts from the past”
New patterns of relating become stable as client analyzes and discusses thoughts, feelings and behaviors regarding new or existing relationships
More integrated sense of Self developed by being able to see the “good, the bad and the ugly…” in all people, including oneself

21. Client and Worker Relationship Through Object Relations Perspective
Monitoring transference and countertransference within the clinical relationship is critical
Client will tend to act out her/his object relations’ patterns with the practitioner
Projective identification needs to be scrutinized
Do not be reactive to client’s potential projections
Practitioner must be “good enough mother” within a safe “holding environment”

22. Assessment Through Object Relations
Similar to ego psychology, with greater emphasis on object relations’ ego function
Assess for:
Quality of relationships with significant others
Are interpersonal conflicts present-rooted, or are old patterns being repeated?
Are current problem behaviors an attempt to master old patterns by repeating them? (repetition compulsion)
Does client have distorted memories of past that need to be corrected?
Does client have capacity for client to develop healthier relationship with SELF and others through work of the therapeutic working alliance?

23. Client Change Purposes/Goals Through Object Relations Theory
Develop more integrated sense of self, and others as a “whole objects”
Modify internal “objects;” representations of self and others
Ability to see the “good, the bad and the ugly” in all people, including self
Capacity to respond to people in the present as unique; not ghosts from the past”
Establish a functional, mutually beneficial and productive capacity for engaging in relationships with others
Develop insight into repetitive negative interpersonal relationships (developmental reflection)
Analyze and discuss thoughts feelings and behaviors in current relationships until new patterns of relating become more stable

24. Interventions and Object Relations
Similar to those used in ego psychology
Greater emphasis on sustainment and developmental reflection
Sustainment: active listening, conveying acceptance, providing reassurance and encouragement
Direct influence: suggestion and advice to the client
Exploration, description and ventilation: eliciting client’s subjective and objective feelings and experiences
Person-situation reflection: focusing on client’s current situation and relationships. Client helped in:
Evaluating perceptions or understanding of others and situations
Understanding nature of her/his behavior and its effects on other
Understanding reasons for her/his behavior in specific situation
Evaluating feelings, self-concept, attitudes, values
Thinking through the pros and cons of taking certain actions

25. Interventions and Object Relations (con.t)
Pattern-dynamic reflection: helping client to identity and consider her/his pattern of behavior including defenses and their impact
Help client develop greater dynamic understanding of nature and reasons for her/his behavior
Point out or confront maladaptive, contradictory behavior
Offer interpretations of underlying reasons for behaviors
Developmental reflection: help client think about past and way it is affecting current behavior
Help clients gain greater insight into dynamics of maladaptive behavior stemming from:
Irrational feelings and fears: abandonment, worthlessness, helplessness
Past conflictual situations: violent, destructive family/care provider
Developmental arrests: trauma, neglect, abuse, abandonment

26. Interventions and Object Relations (con.t)
Stages of object relations intervention:
Early stage: Analysis and interpretation of positive and negative interactions with others in varying life contexts
Middle stage: Interpreting maladaptive defenses such as splitting and projective identification. Having client identify uncomfortable feelings he is trying to disown and project
End phase: Client is guided into corrective experiences with people within his environment, using clinical relationship as a model for managing relationships with others
Worker and client need to agree on the limits and boundaries of relationship ( impulsive and demanding behaviors will be likely)

27. Object Relations Evidence of Effectiveness
Object relations has been used with a variety of types of clients and challenges
Majority of reports are case studies
There have been pre and quasi-experimental designs
Single subject designs, standardized tests, scaling techniques, and qualitative measures could all be utilized

28. SUMMARY PRINCIPLES OF OBJECT RELATIONS THEORY
The basic human tendency (or drive) is relationships with others
Our personalities are structured through ongoing interactions with others in the social environment
All patterns of behavior are learned in the give and take of relational life; they are all adaptive ways of negotiating experience in the context of circumstances, and our need to elicit care from others
We all develop interpersonal relationship patterns; our new relationships tend to involve re-enactments of earlier relationships
The self consists of internalized affective perceptions of others

29. OBJECT (INTERPERSONAL) RELATIONS DEVELOPMENT
Significant Others in the Environment
Availability
Reflection of worth
Consistency
Positive regard
Security
Trust
Self-Esteem
Sense of Self
Internalized messages
and affects
Early Years
Developing child / Ego
Primary Significant Others
Significant Others in the Environment
Later Years
Expectations About
The self: Internalized messages and affects related to prior significant others
New Relationships