object relations theory

noun

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

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

It recounts the lives of two couples, who scrutinise their bed-hopping antics from a psychoanalytical point of view that reveals the interest Bernardine had developed in Melanie Klein's version of object relations theory, a school of thought to which she would loosely adhere during her career as a psychotherapist.

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