Object relations theory is a school of psychoanalytic thought that emphasizes the impact of early relationships on an individual's development and personality. It suggests that relationships, especially those with caregivers in childhood, are internalized and influence how individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world. These internalized relationships, or "object relations," are believed to shape unconscious patterns of relating to others throughout life. Key Concepts of Object Relations Theory: Internalized Relationships: The theory focuses on how early relational experiences, particularly with parents or primary caregivers, are internalized and become part of the individual's internal world. "Object" as a Representation: The term "object" in this context refers to not just a physical object, but also to a person, a part of a person, or a concept representing a person or relationship. Object Relations Units: The basic unit of understanding in object relations theory is the "object relations unit," which consists of the self and another object, linked by emotional states. Early Relationships as Foundation: The theory emphasizes the crucial role of early relationships in shaping an individual's sense of self, identity, and how they relate to others. Unconscious Influences: Object relations theory suggests that these internalized relationships influence an individual's behavior and interactions unconsciously. Change Through New Experiences: While object relations patterns are internalized, they are not considered fixed. New experiences and therapeutic relationships can help individuals reshape these patterns. Key Theorists: Melanie Klein: Considered a pioneer in object relations theory, Klein emphasized the significance of early relationships in shaping personality and development. Donald W. Winnicott: Winnicott explored the role of "good enough" parenting and the importance of the mother-infant relationship in fostering a sense of self and object constancy. W.R.D. Fairbairn: Fairbairn developed a theory emphasizing the importance of the relationship with the mother in shaping the development of the ego and the internalization of objects. Therapeutic Applications: Object relations theory has been influential in psychotherapy, where therapists use the principles of the theory to understand and address unconscious relationship patterns. The therapeutic relationship itself is seen as a space where new relational experiences can occur, allowing individuals to reshape internalized object relations patterns. In essence, object relations theory provides a framework for understanding how early relational experiences can shape an individual's inner world, influence their relationships, and impact their overall well-being.

1. Submitted To:
Mrs. Shailza Sharma
Associate Professor
Department of psychiatry
DMC&H ,CON
Submitted by :
Palak Surya
M.Sc. (N) 1st
year
Roll no : 6

2. Theory of Object Relations
• Margret Mahler (Mahler, pine and Bergman,
1975) formulated a theory that describes the
separation individuation process of the infant
from the mother figure (primary caregiver).
• She describes this process as progressing
through three major phases :-

3. • Emphasizes interpersonal relations, primarily in
the family and especially between mother and
child.
• actually means person & especially
the significant person that is the object or
target of another feelings or intentions.
• refers to interpersonal relations .
Object relation theorist are interested in inner
images of self and other & how they manifest
themselves in interpersonal situation.
Object
Relation
Importance

4. How it is different from Freud?
1. ORT places less emphasis on biologically
based drives and more importance on
consistent patterns of interpersonal
relationships.
2. More maternal, stressing the intimacy and
nurturing of the mother.
3. Object relation theorist generally see human
contact & relatedness- not sexual pleasure-
as the prime motive of human behavior.

6. Phase I: The Autistic Phase
(Birth to 1 month)
• It is also known an normal autism,
the infant exists in a half –
sleeping, half- waking state and
does not perceive existence of
other people or an external
environment.
• The fulfillment of basic needs for
survival and comfort is the focus
and is merely accepted as it occurs.

7. Phase II: The symbiotic Phase
(1to 5 )
• Symbiosis is a type of “psychic
fusion” of mother and child .
• The child views the self as an
extension of the mother, but with
a developing awareness that it is
she who fulfill the child’s every
needs.
• Mahler suggested that absence
of, or rejection by, the maternal
figure at this place can lead to
symbiotic psychosis.

8. Phase III: Separation –Individuation
(5to 36 months)
• This third phase
represents what Mahler
calls, the “psychological
birth” of the child.
• Separation is defined as
the physical and
psychological attainment
of a sense of personal
distinction from the
mothering figure.

9. • Individuation occurs with the strengthening of
the ego and an acceptance of a sense of “self”
the independent ego boundaries.
• This phase is divided in to four sub phases.

10. Subphase 1: Differentiation
(5 to 10 months)
• The differentiation phase begins with the
child’s initiation physical movements away
from the mothering figure.

11. Subphase 2:Practicing
(10 to 16 months)
• With advance locomotor functioning, the child
experiences feeling of exhilaration from
increased independence.
• He or she is now able to move away from,
and return to, the mothering figure. A sense of
omnipotence is manifested.

12. Subphase 3: Rapprochement
(16 to 24 months)
• Rapprochement , is extremely critical to the child’s
health ego development.
• During this time, the child becomes increasingly
aware of his or her separateness from the mothering
figure, while the sense of fearlessness and
omnipotence diminishes. The child, now recognizes
the mother as a separate individual, wishes to
reestablish closeness with her.
• The need is for the mothering figure to be available to
provide “ emotional refueling” on demand.

13. Subphase 4 : Consolidation
( 24 to 36 months)
• A definite individuality and sense of
separateness of self are established.
• Objects are represented as whole, with the
child having the ability to integrate both “good
and bad”.

14. Cont………
A degree of object constancy is established
as the child is able to internalize a
sustained image of the mothering figure as
enduring and loving, while maintaining the
perception of her as a separate person in the
outside world.

16. • It assist the nurse to assess the client’s level of
individualization from primary care givers.
• The emotional problems of many individuals can be
traced to lack of fulfillment of the tasks of separation.
• Eg: problem related to dependency and excessive
anxiety.
• The individual with borderline personality disorder is
thought to be fixed in the rapprochement phase of
development, harboring fears of abandonment and
underline age.
Relevance in nursing
practice

17. RESEARCH STUDY
• Abusive Family Experiences and Object Relations Disturbances
• A Case Study, Cindy Martinez
• This case describes the treatment of a 27-year-old, female
international student who initially presented with severe stress. Until
age 13, she lived in a dysfunctional family where her object relations
were distorted and her attachment formation disturbed, leaving her
unable to set healthy boundaries and trust others.
• The early physical abuse, neglect, and emotional void of the family
environment created challenges for this graduate student in
counseling because her academic program required her to delve into
early family dynamics in self-reflective assignments. The goal of
treatment was to help her establish a healthy attachment style. She
would then be able to rebuild a more cohesive, discriminating, and
flexible sense of self through the therapy relationship.

19. Summarization
• Object relation theory
Phases :
 Autistic phase (Birth – 1months)
 Symbiotic phase(1-5 months )
 Separation-individuation(5-36 months )
Further four stages:
o Differentiation(5-10 months)
o Practicing(10-16 months)
o Rapprochement (16-24months)
o Consolidation(24-36 months)

20. Recaptualization
• Fill in the blanks:
• The object relation theory was formulated
by--------------.
• The symbiotic phase start from ------------

21. • Margret Mahler
• 1-5 months

22. Bibliography
• Townsend C. Mary; Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing; Robert G. Matron publisher; 8th
edition ; page no. 36-39.
• References:
• www.childdevelopmentmedia.com
• www.wikipedia.com