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Related Experiment Videos

How do transitional objects work?: the therapist's view.

J Arthern1, A Madill

  • 1School of Psychology, University of Leeds, UK.

The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|April 9, 1999
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Transitional objects (TOs) in adult psychotherapy function through embodiment, a process explained by a four-level model. Therapists view TOs as key to intersubjectivity within the therapeutic relationship.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Psychotherapy Research
  • Psychoanalysis

Background:

  • Little research exists on how transitional objects (TOs) function in adult psychotherapy.
  • Transitional objects, as conceptualized by Winnicott (1971), are often used by adult clients.
  • Understanding the mechanism of TOs is crucial for therapeutic practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the functioning of transitional objects (TOs) in adult psychotherapy.
  • To develop a model explaining how TOs work based on clinical practice and theory.
  • To examine the role of TOs in the therapeutic relationship across different orientations.

Main Methods:

  • A grounded theory approach was employed.
  • Semi-structured interviews were conducted with psychodynamic-interpersonal (PI) and Gestalt psychotherapists.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Data focused on therapists' clinical practice and theoretical understanding of TO emergence and use.

    • Main Results:

    • A four-level model of embodiment (physical, process, contextual, conceptual) emerged to explain TO functioning.
    • Therapists across orientations highlighted TOs as a focus of intersubjectivity within the therapeutic relationship.
    • Differences in TO use and understanding between PI and Gestalt therapists were identified.

    Conclusions:

    • The four-level embodiment model offers a framework for understanding TOs in psychotherapy.
    • TOs serve as a critical nexus for intersubjectivity in the therapeutic dyad.
    • Clinical implications for utilizing TOs in therapy and directions for future research were discussed.