Object Relations Theory

Object-relations theory deals with the structure and form that the psychotherapeutic process takes. Object-relations theory, which has many different emphases, is above all to be understood as "a reaction against the Freudian motivational concept of instinctual drives" (23) and in favor of an understanding of the complex relationships the govern human experience and behavior, particularly early childhood relationships. In this theory, the relationships that the self has with a whole range of others constitute the sense of selfhood that the individual has (27-8). This theory is consistent with Freudian approaches inasmuch as it is based on psychoanalysis. However, it departs from Freud inasmuch as it does not focus on oedipal relationships but rather "preoedipal" ones--or in other words not on the individual's relationship with a father but rather (usually) with a mother.

The object-relations therapist approaches patient anxiety as arising from a feeling of impending loss of the connection or relationship between the self and the various objects of psychological relationship. As the individual develops, the constancy of relations is interrupted by what is termed, or the separat

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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 818
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page)

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