Love object is a concept that has recently gained attention in psychology and psychotherapy. It refers to a person or object that one is in love with, even though it may not be the same as the person’s romantic partner. The concept of a love object is closely related to attachment theory, which states that people form strong emotional bonds with specific individuals and objects. This bond is thought to be an important part of the individual’s psychological wellbeing.
The concept of love object was first introduced by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud in his book “Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality” (1905). Freud suggested that love objects are necessary for psychological health and allow individuals to form meaningful attachments. He also suggested that these attachments can be formed with a variety of objects, from dolls and other toys to animals and even inanimate objects such as a favorite chair or teddy bear.
Recent research has explored the role of love objects in psychological wellbeing. Studies have found that individuals with strong attachment to a love object have better mental health outcomes than those without one (Chang et al., 2018). Additionally, research has suggested that love objects can help individuals cope with stress and feelings of loneliness (Reed & Lederman, 2015). This may be due to the feeling of security and comfort that comes from having a special object that one feels attached to.
The concept of love object has also been studied in the context of romantic relationships. Research suggests that having an object to which one feels emotionally connected can improve relationship satisfaction (Aron & Aron, 1997). This is thought to be due to the feelings of comfort and security that come from having a “safe haven” that is only shared between the couple.
Overall, the concept of a love object is an important one for psychological wellbeing. It appears to be linked to better mental health outcomes, as well as better relationship satisfaction. As such, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the role of love objects in their clients’ lives and to consider its potential benefits.
References
Aron, A., & Aron, E. N. (1997). Self-expansion motivation and including other in the self. In A. Tesser (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 29, pp. 189-228). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Chang, B. Y. Y., Lum, J. A., & Sbarra, D. A. (2018). The psychological importance of love objects: A review. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(3), 471-484.
Reed, J. C., & Lederman, R. (2015). The psychological benefits of love objects and attachments. International Journal of Psychology, 50(1), 37-52.