Object Relations Theory Seeks to understand the interaction between intrapsychic dynamics and interpersonal relationships Melanie Klein (1882-1960) Proposed that drives are psychological forces that seek people as their objects Splitting

Object Relations Theory Margaret Mahler (1897-1985) Separation and individuation by which child emerges from symbolic fusion with mother and develops individual characteristics Sequence of stages in developing individuation Normal autism and normal symbiosis Differentiation Practicing Rapprochement Consolidation

Object Relations Theory Heinz Kohut (1913-1981) Self theory suggests that children need to have their talk and accomplishments acknowledged Nuclear self and autonomous self Narcissistic character disorders occur when individuals fail to develop independent sense of self

emphasized the process of development of the self -in caring for infants’ physical and psychological needs, adults or self- objects treat them as if they had a sense of self

-Self is the “center of the individual’s psychological universe” -Early self is characterized by two narcissistic needs: -To exhibit the grandiose self -To acquire an idealized image of parents

Personal Experiences Objects of attachment in your childhood What things did you form an attachment to as a child? Try to list three of them. What purpose did these objects serve in your life? Why did you ascribe such value to them? Do you still tend to form attachments to things today? If so, do you feel that these objects are serving the same purposes and needs as when you were a child?