Object relations is a variation of psychoanalytic theory that diverges from Sigmund Freud’s belief that humans are motivated by sexual and aggressive drives, suggesting instead that humans are primarily motivated by the need for contact with others—the need to form relationships.

The aim of an object relations therapist is to help an individual in therapy uncover early mental images that may contribute to any present difficulties in one’s relationships with others and adjust them in ways that may improve interpersonal functioning.

Basic Concepts in Object Relations

In the context of object relations theory, the term "objects" refers not to inanimate entities but to significant others with whom an individual relates, usually one's mother, father, or primary caregiver. In some cases, the term object may also be used to refer to a part of a person, such as a mother's breast, or to the mental representations of significant others.

Object relations theorists stress the importance of early family interactions, primarily the mother-infant relationship, in personality development. It is believed that infants form mental representations of themselves in relation to others and that these internal images significantly influence interpersonal relationships later in life. Since relationships are at the center of object relations theory, the person-therapist alliance is important to the success of therapy.

The term “object relations” refers to the dynamic internalized relationships between the self and significant others (objects). An object relation involves mental representations of:

  1. The object as perceived by the self

    Find a Therapist

    Advanced Search
  2. The self in relation to the object
  3. The relationship between self and object

For example, an infant might think:

  1. "My mother is good because she feeds me when I am hungry" (representation of the object).
  2. "The fact that she takes care of me must mean that I am good" (representation of the self in relation to the object).
  3. "I love my mother" (representation of the relationship).

Internal objects are formed during infancy through repeated experiences with one's caregiver. The images do not necessarily reflect reality but are subjectively constructed by an infant’s limited cognitive abilities. In healthy development, these mental representations evolve over time; in unhealthy development, they remain at an immature level. The internal images have enduring qualities and serve as templates for future relationships.

Central to object relations theory is the notion of splitting, which can be described as the mental separation of objects into "good" and "bad" parts and the subsequent repression of the "bad," or anxiety-provoking, aspects. Infants first experience splitting in their relationship with the primary caregiver: The caregiver is “good” when all the infant’s needs are satisfied and “bad” when they are not.

Initially, these two aspects of the object (the caregiver) are separated in the mind of the infant, and a similar process occurs as the infant comes to perceive good and bad parts of the self. If the mother is able to satisfactorily meet the needs of the infant or—in the language of object relations—if the mother is "good enough," then the child begins to merge both aspects of the mother, and by extension the self, into an integrated whole.

If the caregiver does not satisfactorily meet the infant’s needs, the infant may repress the "bad" aspects of the mother and of the self, which can cause difficulty in future relationships.

Development and History of Object Relations

Object relations theory is composed of the diverse and sometimes conflicting ideas of various theorists, mainly Melanie Klein, Ronald Fairbairn, and Donald Winnicott. Each of their theories place great emphasis on the mother-infant bond as a key factor in the development of a child’s psychic structure during the first three years of life. 

  • Klein is often credited with founding the object relations approach. From her work with young children and infants, she concluded that they focused more on developing relationships, especially with their caregivers, than on controlling sexual urges, as Freud had proposed. Klein also focused her attention on the first few months of a child’s life, whereas Freud emphasized the importance of the first few years of life.
  • Fairbairn agreed with Klein when he posited that humans are object-seeking beings, not pleasure-seeking beings. He viewed development as a gradual process during which individuals evolve from a state of complete, infantile dependence on the caregiver toward a state of interdependency, in which they still depend on others but are also capable of being relied upon.
  • Winnicott stressed the importance of raising children in an environment where they are encouraged to develop a sense of independence but know that their caregiver will protect them from danger. He suggested that if the caregiver does not attend to the needs and potential of the child, the child may be led to develop a false self. The true self emerges when all aspects of the child are acknowledged and accepted.

Who Practices Object Relations?

Psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, and social workers may earn certification in object relations therapy from one of several training institutions across the country. For example, the International Psychotherapy Institute (IPI), formerly the International Institute of Object Relations Theory, offers a two-year certificate program in Object Relations Theory and Practice for professionals involved in the mental health field. The Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis offers a one-year introductory certificate program in object relations theory and clinical technique, as well as a more advanced two-year program. The Ottawa Institute for Object Relations Therapy also certifies psychotherapists in Object Relations Therapy.

Goals of Object Relations Therapy

Object relations therapy focuses on helping individuals identify and address deficits in their interpersonal functioning and explore ways that relationships can be improved. A therapist can help people in therapy understand how childhood object relations impact current emotions, motivations, and relationships and contribute to any problems being faced.

Aspects of the self that were split and repressed can be brought into awareness during therapy, and individuals can address these aspects of themselves in order to experience a more authentic existence. A therapist can also help a person explore ways to integrate the "good" and "bad" aspects of internal objects so that the person becomes able to see others more realistically. Therapy can often help a person to experience less internal conflict and become able to relate to others more fully.

Object Relations Techniques

Many of the techniques used in object relations therapy are similar to those employed in psychoanalytic and other psychodynamic therapies. The primary distinction lies in the therapist's way of thinking about what is happening in the therapeutic exchange. For example, in classical psychoanalysis, transference tends to be carefully analyzed, as it is thought to provide valuable information about the person in therapy. The object relations therapist, however, does not typically view transference reactions as evidence of the person in therapy’s unconscious conflicts. Rather, they are often seen as indications of the infantile object relations and defenses that may be considered to be the “root” of the individual's problems.

In the initial stage of object relations therapy, the therapist generally attempts to understand, through empathic listening and acceptance, the inner world, family background, fears, hopes, and needs of the person in therapy. Once a level of mutual trust has been developed, the therapist may guide the person in therapy into areas that may be more sensitive or guarded, with the purpose of promoting greater self-awareness and understanding.

During therapy, the behaviors of the person in therapy may help the therapist understand how the person is experienced and understood by others in that person’s environment. Because the therapist is likely to react in such a way as to encourage insight and help a person achieve greater awareness, an individual may strengthen, through the therapeutic process, the ability to form healthy object relations, which can be transferred to relationships outside of the counseling environment.

The success of object relations therapy is largely dependent on the nature of the therapeutic relationship. In the absence of a secure, trusting relationship, people in therapy are not likely to risk abandoning their internal objects or attachments, even if these relationships are unhealthy. Therefore, it may be necessary for object relations therapists to first develop an empathic, trusting relationship with a person in therapy and to create an environment in which an individual feels safe and understood.

Limitations of Object Relations Therapy

Early object relations therapists were criticized for underestimating the biological basis of some conditions, such as autism, learning difficulties, and some forms of psychosis. The value of object relations therapy in treating such conditions has been debated by many experts. Modern object relation theorists generally recognize that therapy alone is not sufficient for treating certain issues and that other types of therapy, as well as pharmacological support, may be necessary in some cases.

A form of psychodynamic therapy, object relations therapy typically requires a longer time commitment than some other forms of therapy. It may often last years, instead of months. While this length of time may be necessary to address certain broad, deep-seated, or long-standing concerns, briefer forms of therapy might be more appropriate for addressing issues that developed more recently in a person’s life or that have a narrower focus. Object relations therapy can also become quite costly, due to its length.

Some individuals prefer a more solution-focused approach and may find it difficult to work with the somewhat non-directive style of object relations therapy. Quick results may also be desired in some cases, such as when a person experiences addiction or another condition that may lead one to harm the self or others. The non-directive approach of object relations therapy is not considered sufficient to deal with such an issue. Once critical symptoms are dealt with, however, an individual may choose to engage in object relations therapy to determine how past relationships with significant others might contribute to present concerns.

References:

  1. Goldstein, E. G. (2001).  Object relations theory and self psychology in social work practice. New York: The Free Press.
  2. Horner, A. J. (1991). Psychoanalytic object relations therapy. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
  3. James, R. K., & Gilliland, B. E. (2003). Psychoanalytic therapy. Retrieved from http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/208/213940/psycho_therapy.pdf
  4. Liebert, R. M., & Liebert, L. L. (1998). Liebert & Spiegler's personality strategies and issues (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
  5. Scharff, J. S., & Scharff, D. E. (2005). The primer of object relations (2nd ed.). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
  6. Schauer, A. H. (1986). Object-relations theory: A dialogue with Donald B. Rinsley. Journal of Counseling and Development, 65, 35-39.