object relations theory

British  

noun

1. a form of psychoanalytic theory postulating that people relate to others in order to develop themselves

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Example Sentences

In object relations theory, the idea is that the psychoanalyst becomes a good object for the patient, and with the analyst’s facilitation the patient finds good objects where hitherto they could not.

From The Guardian

Dr. Masterson was one of the first people to bring the psychoanalytic approach known as object relations theory to bear on the study of personality.

From New York Times

Most closely associated with the British psychoanalysts Donald Winnicott and Melanie Klein, object relations theory centers on infants’ early attachment to their mothers.

From New York Times

Object relations theory was primarily meant to explain human behavior.

From New York Times