Object relations theory

Focus of Margaret Mahler. Centered on relationships with others.

Object relations theory

Discusses that lifelong relationship skills are strongly rooted in early attachments with parents especially mothers.

Objects

Refer to people, parts of people, or physical items that symbolically represent either a person or part of a person

Normal autism phase

First few weeks of life. Infant is detached and self absorbed. Spends most of the time sleeping. Phase later became abandoned based on new findings from infant research

Normal symbiotic phase

Occurs from 1 to 5 months of age where the infant creates a close bond with its mother, creating a sense of oneness and emotional connection

Separation/individuation phase

Ages five to nine months. Infant cases to be ignorant of the differentiation between him or her and the mother. Increased alertness and interest for the outside world. Using mother as the point of orientation.

Practicing subphase

Ages 9 to 15 months. The infant's ability to crawl and walk freely. Infant begins to eco life acfi fly and becomes more distant from the mother.

Rapprochement subphase

occurring between 15 and 24 months, is a crucial stage in a child's development of individuation. During this period, the child, while becoming increasingly aware of their separateness from their primary caregiver (usually the mother), experiences a renewed need for closeness and reassurance. This stage highlights the child's struggle to balance their desire for independence with their need for connection. Infant may have a fear of abandonment if mother becomes impatient or unavailable

Object constancy phase

Occurring from 24 to 38 months. the ability to maintain a positive emotional connection with someone, even when they are physically absent or when experiencing negative emotions like anger or disappointment or low self esteem