Chapter 7

Human Relations:

Object Relations Theory, The Stone Center Group

Object Relations Theory

What is Object Relations Theory? Intrapsychic and Interpsychic Object Melanie Klein (1882-1960)
Drives Splitting Fairnbairn Children

Object Relations Theory

Margaret Mahler (1897-1985)
Child emerges from symbolic fusion with mother and develops individual characteristics Sequence of stages in developing individuation
Normal autism and normal symbiosis Differentiation Practicing Rapprochement Consolidation

Object Relations Theory

Heinz Kohut (1913-1981)
Self theory suggests that children need to have their talk and accomplishments acknowledged Nuclear self and autonomous self Narcissistic character disorders

Otto Kernberg (1928 - )

Splitting accounts for Borderline Personality Disorder Transference focused psychotherapy

Object Relations Theory

Nancy Chodorow (1944 - )
Reproduction of motherhood - mother-daughter relationship instills the daughter with a desire to take on the role of mother Psyche develops differently for men and women Gender - fusion of personal and cultural meaning

Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT): The Stone Center Group

Developed a new collaborative theory of human development within relationships Psychology of development of both sexes constrained and contorted by framework of inequity Women have critical strengths, largely unrecognized by society, that can bring creative force to human problems

Shifting the Paradigm

Connectedness to others is basic origin of growth Disconnections block our growth and prevent people from engaging in empathic relationships Need to shift thinking from a paradigm based on individualistic values towards relational values Relationship-differentiation process

 Empathy

Connections and Disconnections

Experiencing feelings and thoughts of another Fosters connections and lead to growth within relationships Mutual empathy fosters mutual empowerment characterized by zest

Disconnection
Poses great problems in relationships of unequal power

Psychotherapy
Can provide path to increased authentic connections Goal of therapy is to help patients make mutual empathetic connections Therapists remain open to their own experiences and permit themselves to be moved by their patients feelings

Other Applications
RCT reconceives many traditional concepts such as anger, dependence, courage, shame, and sexual desire and orientation Explore parenting-in-connection

Evaluating Human Relations Theories

As clinicians, their work is based on empirical observation Theories have not generated much laboratory research because lack of specificity and operational definitions Enormous impact on clinical area Research in neurobiology provides confirmation of the theoretical work of RCT, supporting central premise that relationships are at core of human development
Positive social interactions discharge brain chemicals that are pleasurable Disconnection via social pain is detrimental to brains and mental health