Date: Thu, 24 Oct 1996 08:09:52 +0100
Subject: M-PSY: Object Relations - a definition



Object Relations: a definition.


I thought it may help some subscribers to have a definition of 
Object Relations. This is from a flyer for a new book
published by Free Associations, so it may stress the 
social implications more than some adherents of object relations
theory would, but still seems to me to be concise and relevant for
this list.


"Object Relations places relationships at the centre of what it is
to be human. Its premise is that the human being is essentially
social and that our need for others is primary.

Object Relations was the British-based development of 
classic Freudian theory. Its main proponents were Melanie
Klein, D.W. Winnicott, W.R.D. Fairbairn, Michael Balint,
H.J.S. Guntrip and John Bowlby. "


My understanding is that this school has built up and elaborated
a whole new direction to psychoanalysis around a concept of 
Freud's which happens in the original text to be called an "object".
This was his word for the internal representation in the mind
of an individual of a crucial human relationship, such as one's mother.

It therefore has interesting parallels to the way Althusser and 
his school took the word "overdetermination" from Freud and 
elaborated its significance. This seems to me to be characteristic
of the process of exegesis and development that occurs to the
respected words of master teachers, whether they are Mohammed,
Jesus, Freud or Marx.

Both "object" and "overdetermination" seem to me to be
clumsy and counter-intuitive words for the meaning they 
have subsequently come to bear.

Although I have not seen reviews of the book yet, it seems only 
reasonable to complete the quotation. Free Associations are
innovative but also serious publishers, used by some authors 
well respected in psychodynamic circles in Britain as well as
writers of more speculative titles, like "Psychoanalytic Marxism"
by Eugene Victor Wolfenstein.


"An Introduction to Object Relations" by Lavinia Gomez
*November* 1996 c220 pages Pb. Pounds sterling 15.95 

Flyer continued:

"In this critical introduction to the subject, Lavinia Gomez
presents the work of the main theorists chronologically, 
enabling the reader to gain a sense of how Object Relations
developed, and the way in which the theorists built on,
diverged from and opposed each other's ideas.

An understanding of concepts emerges gradually as similar 
phenomena are examined through the eyes of each theorist.
A brief biography brings to life the persons behind the theory,
contributing to a deeper understanding and critical appreciation
of their ideas.

Subsequent chapters concentrate on the practice of Object Relations
in counselling and psychotherapy; the issue of integrating
different approaches; the challenges of working across social
and cultural groups, and with borderline and psychotic people.
A final chapter examines the foundations of Object Relations.

Though written with students of psychotherapy and 
counselling in mind, this lively and perceptive book will interest
anyone wishing to explore this fascinating field. Its 
strengths lie in its comprehensive coverage, its openness to 
different theoretical oreintations and its critical 
awareness of Object Relations as a culturally-specific
system of thought.

Lavinia Gomez is Head of Psychotherapy at the Minster Centre,
London, and has a private practice in psychotherapy and supervision."

I do not know the author and others may suggest better texts
>from other points of view, but since Jeffrey raised the 
question of interpellation (Althusser) and object relations
I thought this might provide one anchor to the discussion.

Free Associations e-mail address is fab-AT-melmoth.demon.co.uk


Chris Burford
London.




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