Overview & Description:

Object Relations Theory, a psychoanalytic theory, suggests that the way people relate to others and situations in their adult lives is shaped by family experiences during infancy. It emphasizes interpersonal relations, primarily in the family and especially between mother and child.

Example:

A person who experiences neglect as a child may struggle with trusting relationships as an adult.

Implications:

It’s significantly utilized in psychotherapy, especially in understanding and treating relational issues and personality disorders.

References:

• Greenberg, J. R., & Mitchell, S. A. (1983). Object relations in psychoanalytic theory. Harvard University Press.