Object Relations Theory -> Neo-Freudian Psychoanalytic Therapies

4 Groups of Post + Neo-Freudian Psychoanalytic Techniques

1. Analytical Psych (Jung)

2. Ego Psych (Horney, Sullivan, Anna Freud)

3. Object Relations Theorists (Klein, Bowlby, Sullivan, Mahler)

4. Self Psych (Kohut)

Klein + Bowlby

Developers of Obj Relations Theory

Focus of Obj Relations Theory

Focus is on early childhood attachment + secure base and close emotional bonds; Dev of relation-centered + dev pov

Obj Relations Theory Main Belief

Adult relationships depend on childhood experiences + attachment

Attachment Theory Def

The style of attachment experienced between youth and their parents predict peoples’ personal characteristics and patterns of relating to others

4 Types:

1. Secure

2. Anxious/Avoidant

3. Anxious/Resistant

4. Disorganized/Disoriented

Attachment Theory Types List

1. Secure

2. Anxious/Avoidant

3. Anxious/Resistant

4. Disorganized/Disoriented

Secure Attachment Style

A healthy emotional bond built on trust, safety, and consistent responsiveness between a child and a caregiver or between romantic partners; Distress in absence but fine when back

Attachment Theory Types List

Anxious/Avoidant Attachment Style

An insecure attachment style where a person deeply craves emotional intimacy and affection, but simultaneously fears vulnerability, closeness, and getting hurt; Push pull behav

Attachment Theory Types List

Anxious/Resistant Attachment Style

An insecure attachment style rooted in a deep fear of abandonment combined with a desperate craving for close emotional connection; Appears clingy, and if loved one leaves for sometime they may still be mad when theyre back

Attachment Theory Types List

External Objects

Things + ppl in the environment

Internal Objects

Psychological structures ppl internalize from interactions with others

Separation-Individuation Theory

Children dev a sense of self thats dif from others

Paranoid-Schizoid Position

Separation of good objects/feelings from bad objects/feelings

Depressive Position

Connections with objects are threatened by conflicts

Therapeutic Support in Obj Relations Theory

Supportive therapeutic alliance is essential; Therapists provide care + nurture + act as “good enough mothers” to provide a safe space for clients to heal within the relationship

What do emotional interactions b/w therapist + client encourage?

Encourage present moment awareness of obj relationships

What should therapists facilitate?

Transference + projective identification for the change to occur

Overall Goal of Object Relations Theory

Develop healthy obj relations + to promote a cohesive sense of self

Projective Identification

A part of the internalized obj or the self is projected onto the therapist

Resistance

Therapists aim to reduce resistance by providing a safe + warm environment

Countertransference

The redirection of a therapist's own feelings, emotional reactions, and personal biases onto a patient; Provides important clues regarding the therapeutic relationship

Interpretation

Used to help the process of working through – obtaining clarification and resolution of projective identification patterns by experiencing them at higher levels of development

What do attachment styles help predict?

Predictor of mental health + relationships - supported by research

What can exploring attachments do?

Can be explored in therapy to facilitate better relationships + stability

What did Obj Relations Theory influence for Modern Therapy?

Influenced dev of emotion-focused therapies + relational model

What does Thanatos drive?

Drives Paranoid-Schizoid Position (aggression, splitting, envy)

What does Eros drive?

Drives the Depression position (love, empathy, concern , reparation)

Adult Attachment Interview (AAI)

Classifies adults as

1. Secure/Autonomous

2. Insecure/Dismissing

3. Insecure/Preoccupied

4. Unresolved

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

Integ attachment theory with Person Centered therapy

Cult + Gang Dynamics

Understood in obj relations as the exploitation of universal attachment + belonging needs