Object relations theory

Question 1

Main facets of object relations theory

Answer 1

The way people relate to others in adulthood is shaped by their family experiences in infancy
Children develop ‘objects’ - internalised images of other people e.g. their main caregiver
They develop a mental representation of themselves in relation to the ‘object’ and of the relationship between themselves and the ‘object’

Question 2

Two positions described by Melanie Klein

Answer 2

Paranoid-schizoid position

Depressive position

Question 3

State described by Klein where the world is split into good and bad

Answer 3

Paranoid schizoid

Question 4

State described by Melanie Klein characterised by the ‘splitting’ defence mechanism

Answer 4

Paranoid schizoid

Question 5

State described by Melanie Klein where there is acceptance things can be both good and bad, characterised by ambivalence

Answer 5

Depressive

Question 6

Zone described by Winnicott between reality and fantasy where children’s psychological development occurs

Answer 6

Transitional zone

Question 7

Concept described by Winnicott that a mother does not need to be perfect but needs to be good enough to provide an environment in which a child can grow and develop

Answer 7

Good enough mother

Question 8

Concept described by Winnicott referring to an object such as a blanket or soft toy which can be used by children to help them move from ideal fantasy objects, to real objects which are less reliable.

Answer 8

Transitional object