Contemporary Psychoanalytic Theory

Question 1

What is Bowlby’s theory of attachment? (Bowlby, 1969)

Answer 1

Attachment is the primary motivational force

Internal working models or mental representations of self and other are formed through repetitive childhood experiences

Question 2

Fonagy’s (1998) perspective of the role of the therapist?

Answer 2

Highlight pathological ties to old objects and hold in contrast against new and more adaptive relationships
Strive to create an atmosphere of neutrality in behavior and attitude

Question 3

What are the curative factors in object relations theory?

Answer 3

Therapeutic relationship heals - emphasis on connection between therapist and client
Client learns they can have new experience instead of repeating old ones - sees how old dramas are enacted via the transference interpretations
Progress is the result of changed capacity to relate to others

Question 4

Fairbairn’s (1941) theory?

Answer 4

Fundamental motivation in humans is to seek connections with others
Relationships shaped according to the patterns of relatedness that have been internalized from the earliest significant relationships
Past relational patterns are what is expected in new ones
Internalized significant objects throughout life become the templates for future relationships

Question 5

Winnicott’s (1949) theory?

Answer 5

“good enough” mother who is able to provide an adequate holding environment
Mother is able to physically and emotionally attach to the baby
Allows for the optimal environment to facilitate establishment of secure attachments

Question 6

What is the holding environment? (Winnicott, 1949)

Answer 6

Psychic and physical space where the individual is protected and they feel free to move and learn

Question 7

What produces pathology (per Winnicott)? (1949)

Answer 7

Maternal deprivation - mother isn’t “good enough”, doesn’t provide an adequate holding environment
Too much stimulation or encroaching on the space
Results in a false sense of self

Question 8

What are the goals/tasks of TX per Winnicott? (1949)

Answer 8

Therapist must determine which internal object is being activated
Focus on themes of separation and individuation
Patient shapes TX to provide experiences missed in childhood