Object Relations Theory Flashcards
0-1 Months
Normal Autism (abandoned by Mahler later)
First few weeks of life
Infant is detached and self-absorbed.
Spends most time sleeping.
Mahler abandoned this phase based on new findings.
0-1 month: Normal Autism
1-5 Months
Normal Symbiotic
Child is now aware of mother, not a sense of individuality.
Infant and mother are one, barrier between them and rest of the world.
1-5 Months, Normal Symbiotic
5-9 Months
Separation/Individuation
Differentiation/Hatching
Infant aware of differentiation btwn infant and mother.
Increased alertness and interest for the outside world, mother is a point of orientation.
5-9 Months
Separation/Individuation
Differentiation/Hatching
9-15 Months
Separation/Individuation
Practicing
Brought by infant’s ability to crawl, walk freely.
Begin s to explore actively and become more distant to mother.
9-15 Months
Separation/Individuation
Practicing
15-24 Months
Separation/Individuation
Reapproachement
Infant becomes close to mother
Realizes mobility demonstrates psychic separateness from mother.
Toddler may be tentative, wanting mom in sight so they can explore.
15-24 Months
Separation/Individuation
Reapproachement
Toddler may be tentative, wanting mom in sight so they can explore.
Mother might misread this need and respond with impatience or unavailability
Can lead to an anxious fear of abandonment
15-24 Months
Separation/Individuation
Reapproachement
24-38 Months
Object Constancy
Phase when child understands mother is a separate indv.
Provides child w/ unconscious level of guiding support and comfort.
24-38 Months
Object Constancy
Deficiencies in positive internalization could lead to a sense of insecurity and low self-esteem in adulthood
24-38 Months
Object Constancy
