Object Relationship
Definition
Object relationship is a term used in psychology to refer to the way an individual perceives and relates to objects in their environment. It is based on the idea that a person’s behavior is shaped by their experiences with objects, and that these experiences can affect how they perceive, interact with, and respond to the object. Object relationships are closely linked to an individual’s attachment style and can be used to understand how an individual views and interacts with the world.
History
The concept of object relationship was first developed by psychoanalyst Melanie Klein in the 1920s. She proposed that a person’s interactions with objects could be used to understand their mental and emotional states. Her work focused on understanding the relationship between a person’s inner world and their external environment. Following Klein’s work, object relationship theory has been applied to various areas of psychology, including attachment theory, object relations theory, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Characteristics
Object relationships are complex and can vary depending on the individual’s attachment style. Generally, individuals who are securely attached to objects are more likely to have positive relationships with them. They are more likely to seek out objects for comfort and security, and to use them as a source of emotional support. In contrast, individuals with an insecure attachment style are more likely to have negative object relationships. They may be more likely to avoid objects or to view them as a source of danger.
Object relationships can also be influenced by early childhood experiences. For example, if a child has experienced consistent and supportive relationships with objects, they may be more likely to view objects in a positive light. Conversely, if a child has experienced negative or inconsistent relationships with objects, they may be more likely to have a negative view of objects.
References
Fonagy, P., Target, M., Gergely, G., & Jurist, E. (2002). Affect regulation, mentalization, and the development of the self. New York: Other Press.
Klein, M. (1932). The Psycho-Analysis of Children. London: Hogarth Press.
Sroufe, A. L., & Waters, E. (1977). Attachment as an organizational construct. Child Development, 48(4), 1184–1199.
Vrouva, I. (2006). Object relations theory: A psychoanalytic framework for understanding attachment. Psychoanalytic Psychology, 23(3), 483–497.