Object relations theory - Definition and Overview

Freud invented the concept object relation to describe, or rather to put emphasis on the fact, that bodily drives satisfy their need through a medium, an object, on a specific loci. The subject-object relation was later on developed to become an independent psychoanalytic subdivision, object relations theory. Leading object relations theorists were Melanie Klein, Michael Balint and Donald Winnicott.

The central thesis in object relations theory is that the objects play a decisive role in the development of a subject. Now, these objects can be either part-objects or whole-objects, i.e. a single organ (a mother's breast) or a whole person (a mother). Consequently both a mother or just the mother's breast can be the locus of satisfaction for a drive. Furthermore, according to traditional psychoanalysis, there are at least two types of drives, the libido (mythical counterpart: Eros), and the death drive (mythical counterpart: Thanatos). Thus, the objects can be receivers of both love and hate, the affective effects of the libido and the death drive.

See also

• paraphilia