Theory of Object Relations

Theory of Object Relations was given by, M. Mahler.

Margaret Schönberger Mahler (May 10, 1897 – October 2, 1985) was a Hungarian physician, who later became interested in psychiatry. She was a central figure on the world stage of psychoanalysis. Her main interest was in normal childhood development, but she spent much of her time with psychiatric children and how they arrive at the "self". Mahler developed the separation–individuation theory of child development.

She formulated the theory with Pine & Bergman on 1975.

➡️ Normal autistic phase – First few weeks of life. The infant is detached and self-absorbed. Spends most of his/her time sleeping.

➡️Normal symbiotic phase – Lasts until about 5 months of age. The child is now aware of his/her mother but there is not a sense of individuality. The infant and the mother are one, and there is a barrier between them and the rest of the world.

➡️Separation–individuation phase –
Separation refers to the development of limits, the differentiation between the infant and the mother, whereas individuation refers to the development of the infant's ego, sense of identity, and cognitive abilities.

Mahler explains how a child with the age of a few months breaks out of an "autistic shell" into the world with human connections. This process, labeled separation–individuation, is divided into subphases, each with its own onset, outcomes and risks. The following subphases proceed in this order but overlap considerably

Separation refers to the development of limits, the differentiation between the infant and the mother, whereas individuation refers to the development of the infant's ego, sense of identity, and cognitive abilities.

Mahler explains how a child with the age of a few months breaks out of an "autistic shell" into the world with human connections. This process, labeled separation–individuation, is divided into subphases

▶️Hatching / differentiation
▶️Practicing –
▶️Rapprochement-Rapprochement is divided into a few sub phases:

Beginning – Motivated by a desire to share discoveries with the mother.
Crisis – Between staying with the mother, being emotionally close and being more independent and exploring.
Solution – Individual solutions are enabled by the development of language and the superego.
Disruptions in the fundamental process of separation–individuation can result in a disturbance in the ability to maintain a reliable sense of individual identity in adulthood.

▶️Object constancy or Consolidation phase-

1. THEORY OF OBJECT RELATIONS Susmita Halder M. Sc. Nursing 1st Year CON BSMCH BANKURA

2. Definition of Theory “A theory is a set of concepts, definitions and propositions, that project a systematic view of phenomena by designating specific interrelationships among concepts for the purpose of describing, explaining and predicting.” – Chinn & Jacob, 1987

3. Margaret Mahler (Mahler, Pine & Bergman, 1975) formulated a theory that describes the separation – individualization process of the infant from the maternal figure (primary caregiver).

4. MARGARET MAHLER (1897-1985) . Born on may 10,1897 into a jewish family in Sopron in Hungary Had troubled relationship with her mother Studied medicine fron University of Munich  Influenced by Sandor ferenczi , a hungarian psychoanalyst Shifted majors from pediatrics to psychiatry Moved to USA, there joined Newyork psychoanalytic society  Worked on cases of childhood psychosis

5. She describes this process as progressing through three major phases, and she further delineates phase III, the separation-individualization phase, into four subphases.

6. 01 02 03 Phases of Theory of Object Relations THE AUTISTIC PHASE THE SYMBIOTIC PHASE SEPARATION – INDIVIDUALIZATION PHASE

7. In the autistic phase, also called normal autism, the infant exists in a half-waking state and does not perceive the existence of other people or an external environment. The fulfilment of basic needs for survival and comfort is the focus and is merely accepted as it occurs. PHASE I : THE AUTISTIC PHASE ( BIRTH TO 1 MONTH)

8. PHASE I : THE AUTISTIC PHASE ( BIRTH TO 1 MONTH)

9. Symbiosis is a type of ‘psychic fusion’ of mother and child. The child views the self as an extension of the mother, but with a developing awareness that it is she who fulfils the child’s every need. Mahler suggested that absence of, or rejection by, the maternal figure at this phase, can lead to symbiotic psychosis. PHASE II : THE SYMBIOTIC PHASE (1 MONTH TO 5 MONTHS)

10. Symbiotic Phase

11. This third phase represents what Mahler calls the ‘psychological birth’ of the child. Separation is defined as the physical and psychological attainment of a sense of personal distinction from the mothering figure. Individualization occurs with a s strengthening of the ego and acceptance of a sense of “self” with independent ego boundaries. PHASE III : SEPARATION – INDIVIDUALIZATION PHASE (5 MONTHS TO 36 MONTHS)

12. Subphases of Separation Individualization phase Differentiation 01 Practicing 02 Rapprochement 03 Consolidation . 04

13. The differentiation phase begins with the child’s initial physical movements away from the mothering figure. A primary recognition of separateness commences. Subphase 1 : Differentiation (5 to 10 Months)

14. With advanced locomotor functioning, the child experiences feelings of exhilaration from increased independence. He or she is now able to move away from and return to mothering figure. A sense of omnipotence is manifested. Subphase 2 : Practicing (10 to 16 Months)

15. This third subphase, rapprochement, is extremely critical to the child’s healthy ego development. During this time, the child becomes increasingly aware of his or her separateness from mothering figure while the sense of fearlessness and omnipotence diminishes. The child now recognizing the mother as separate individual wishes to re-establish closeness with her but shuns the total re engulfment of the symbiotic stage. The need for the mothering figure to be available to provide “emotional re fueling’ on demand. Subphase 3 : Rapprochement ( 16 to 24 Months)

16. Critical to this subphase is the mothering figure’s response to the child. If the mothering figure is available to fulfil emotional needs as they arise, the child develops a sense of security in the knowledge that he or she is loved ad will not be abandoned. However, if emotional needs are inconsistently met or if the mother rewards clinging, dependent behaviors and withholds nurturing when the child demonstrates independence, feelings of rage and a fear of abandonment develop and often persist into adulthood

17. With achievement of the consolidation subphase, a definite individuality and a sense of separateness of self are established. Objects are represented as whole, with the child having the ability to integrate both ‘good’ and ‘bad’. A degree of object constancy is established as the child is able to internalize a sustained image of the mothering figure as enduring and loving, while maintain the perception of her as a separate person in the outside world. Subphase 4 : Consolidation (24 to 36 Months)

18. RELEVANCE OF OBJECT RELATIONS THEORY TO THE NURSING PRACTICE : Handling emotional problems Understanding individualization Improved quality of mental health care

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