Psychoanalytic Model (Object Relations) The object relations concept is a variant of the psychoanalytic theory, which deviates from the idea held by Sigmund Freud that mankind is driven by aggressive and sexual drives. Instead, psychoanalytic theory puts forward the notion that man is primarily driven by a need to forge relationships with others (i.e. contact). Object relations therapists aim to aid clients in uncovering early mental pictures that can further any current problems in their associations with other people, and adapt them so as to improve interpersonal performance.

Basic Concepts in Object Relations

The word 'object' in the object relations concept does not denote inanimate things but rather, it refers to significant individuals with whom one relates -- often, one's father, mother, or a primary caregiver. This term is also sometimes employed in referring to some part of an individual (e.g., the mental depictions of the important people in life, the mother's breast, etc.).

Object relations theoreticians emphasize the significance of early familial interactions, especially the mother-baby bond, in the development of personality. Infants are believed to form mental images of self, relative to other people. These internal pictures greatly influence their interpersonal associations later on in life. As relationships lies at the heart of this theory, the bond between client and therapist is crucial to the theory's success.

The Internal Object

The focus of object relations therapy and its theoretical...

Internal objects denote pieces of the psychic framework that are formed from an individual's experiences with key caregivers in the early phase of their life. These reproduce themselves in the individual's personality by means of internalization; the individual's personality will, thereafter, bear vestiges of those initial relationships. Internal object can neither be considered as memories nor as representations. Rather, they constitute a key element of the individual self's being. They manifest themselves in people's interactions with, and choice of, other individuals (external objects) currently in their lives. Further, they can change through associations with current external objects (for instance, the psychotherapist).
The Self

Internal objects constitute only one of the components of self. To cut a long story short, the self is made up of: (1) internal objects; (2) the traditional concept of 'ego' -- the executive mechanism responsible for modulating self-control by means of its control over sphincters, affect states, and motility, which mediates a person's relationships with the external world; and (3) components and objects of the aforementioned 'ego' that are joined by feelings (affects) matching to a child's object relationship experiences. Consequently, the 'self' denotes a mix of internal objects and ego in a dynamic and distinctive relationship comprising of character. The individual's 'personal identity' is formed, which endures and is fairly constant as he/she ages (Scharff & Scharff,…