Object relations theory in clinical practice

This paper outlines the psychoanalytic techniques derived from ego psychology-object relations theory. It stresses the centrality of affects to interpretation and describes how the focus on dominant object relations in the transference modifies the economic, dynamic, and structural criteria for interpretation. Clinical examples illustrate this technique across a broad spectrum of psychopathology. The technique for genetic constructions and reconstructions in the transference is described, and this approach is contrasted with other object relations theories. Finally, the application of this approach to countertransference and dream analysis is summarized.     

Object relations in clinical practice

Analysts need to have a theory of object relations at the back of their minds while actually analyzing, but they also need to rediscover this theory constantly in their work with patients. This process of rediscovery depends, I suggest, upon analysts focusing attention not only on what is being communicated by words but on what is being lived out, however subtly, in the transference. This, in itself, can help in reconstructing dynamically something of the patient's history. These issues are discussed in relation to Melanie Klein's theory of object relations and are illustrated with clinical material.     

Conceptualization of hostile psychopathy and sadism: Drive theory and object relations perspectives

Abstract

Turkel A.R. The Gender of the Analyst. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;l:ll-19. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X

The importance of understanding the gender-related aspects of our clinical work should not be underestimated. The problems associated with the choice of the analyst by gender are explored with particular focus on three therapeutic dyads: women treating women, women treating men, and men treating women. While the analyst's gender may contribute to resistance and to negative transference, it may also facilitate treatment. Research studies are examined and clinical material is utilized to illustrate the major points.     

Object relations and regression in groups.

This article uses a psychoanalytic ego-psychological framework to examine the regression experienced by an individual group member and the defenses mobilized to counter it, focusing in particular on the defensive functions of constituting leadership somewhere in the group. The leader, regarded as an internal object in the member's object world, is hypothesized to be a combination of projected and personified part-objects and at the same time an integrating whole object. Various phenomena of group life are discussed from this viewpoint, notably the lability of the relationship with the leader, the externalization of various endopsychic regulations, and the conditions supporting the defensive utility of the leader for the group member. The foundation for the emergence of social roles and consensual perception of the group and its leadership becomes apparent. A strictly intrapsychic view is maintained throughout.     

Hidden gifts of love: A clinical application of object relations theory

Using an extended clinical example, the author applies aspects of Kleinian, Fairbairnian, and Bionian theory to demonstrate how individuals may come to hide away feelings of both love and aggression. In the clinical material presented, a version of a schizoid retreat was understood as a pervasive response to trauma. The author attempts to explore more specifically the nature of a ‘traumatizing outer world’ ( Guntrip, 1969 ) and how these experiences cause an individual to retreat and undermine movement toward healthy adult dependency. An understanding of these dynamics helps inform the psychoanalytic treatment process and can serve as a type of roadmap in navigating through challenging transference–countertransference enactments.     

Object relations and multiple personality: an exploration of the literature

Multiple personality is a dissociative hysterical condition in which there are two or more autonomous personalities. Historically multiple personality has been viewed as an oedipal conflict. Case studies, however, indicate the importance of preoedipal dynamic issues as well. Both ego splitting and oedipal repression seem to be the basic defense mechanisms. The depressive position, in which there is integration of good and bad objects, has not been reached. Objects are split on the basis of sex in that the mother is seen as all bad, while the father is seen as all good. Multiple personality can be considered to occupy a position between oedipal and preoedipal development.     

Object relations and real life relationships: A cross method assessment

This study examines the relationship between the psychoanalytic concept of object relations and real life behavior of being in an intimate relationship among heterosexual women. In a multi‐method approach we used two different measures; the self‐report Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI; Bell, Billington & Becker, 1986 ) and the performance based Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Social Cognition & Object Relations Scale‐ Global Rating Method SCORS‐G (Westen, 1995 ) to measure the object relations of 60 women. The Alienation subscale of the BORRTI and understanding of social causality subscale of the SCORS‐G explained 34.8% of variance of the intimate relationship variable. Thus, women involved in a romantic relationship reported lower rates of alienation on the BORRTI and produced TAT narratives that were more adaptive with regard to understanding of social causality as measured by the SCORS‐G than those not currently in a relationship. Results are discussed with reference to the relationship between object relations and real life measures of healthy individuals and in light of the need for a multi‐method approach of assessment.     

Studies in mathematical theory of human relations. II

In continuation of previous studies, relations are studied between two classes of population, of which one is characterized by a much greater ability to organize and supervise the productive activities of the other. Under some special and rather simple assumptions, it is shown that this kind of interreaction results first in an increase of the ratio of the cumulative results of productive activities for the two classes in favor of the first. With time, however, this ratio reaches a maximum and declines. An expression for the life span of such organized classes is obtained.In the second section, a study is made of possible non-uniformities of spatial distribution of the population. Some possible applications are made to the theory of the variation of the ratio of urban to rural population, showing how that ratio may increase with increasing total population.     

Plato's Phaedo theory of relations

Conclusion I am pleased to have been able to vindicate Plato from the oft-rehearsed charge of not having distinguished relations from qualities. Not only does Phaedo 102B7-C4 show quite clearly that he did make the proper distinction, but the theory of relations he adumbrated there is logically sound and ontologically viable. Furthermore, it is refreshing to think of relations not as Forms or universals, but as chains of ontologically tied universals.Naturally, now that we have a clear understanding of Plato's Phaedo theory of relations and relational facts there is plenty of work to do. We must examine the other dialogues for alterations or even preservation of that theory. Moreover, there are those arguments of Aristotle that purport to reduce Plato's Theory of Forms to absurdity on account of relations. But of this I shall say more at some other time.     

Object relations and referential activity in physically abused adolescents

This study compared the object relations and language functions of 15 physically abused and 15 nonabused adolescents. The adolescents provided a 5-minute narrative about their mothers, which was scored for referential activity and object relations. As predicted, the abused adolescents tended to have lower levels of affect tone, indicating more malevolent relationship paradigms. Contrary to what was predicted, however, there were no significant differences between groups on overall measures of referential activity and object relations. Further, the abused adolescents tended to have higher levels of two elements of referential activity (concreteness, imagery), indicating increased verbal ability to express emotional experience. While predicted correlations were found between object relations and referential activity for the nonabused group, the abused group showed higher symbolizing and verbalizing capacity, associated with more malevolent representations of relationships. The findings do not support the view that physically abused adolescents experience developmental lags, instead suggesting that they organize and use emotional and symbolizing processes differently from nonabused adolescents. The implications for treatment are discussed.