Related Experiment Videos
Object relations units and the ego
1Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098, USA.
Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This review proposes adding ego functioning to object relations theory, alongside self, object, and affect-sensation. This integrated model offers a more comprehensive clinical understanding for diverse individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoanalytic Theory
Background:
- Object relations theory traditionally focuses on self, object, and affect-sensation.
- Existing frameworks may lack a comprehensive element for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an expansion of object relations theory.
- To introduce ego functioning as a fourth key element.
- To enhance clinical comprehensiveness in psychoanalytic theory.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature review of object relations units.
- Conceptual analysis and theoretical integration.
Main Results:
- A proposed fourth element: ego functioning.
- Ego functioning is suggested to integrate organically with self, object, and affect-perception.
- The expanded model is applicable to both healthy and less integrated individuals.
Conclusions:
- The proposed addition of ego functioning enhances object relations theory.
- This integrated conceptualization may offer an alternative or supplement to traditional structural theory (id, ego, superego).
- Further research is needed to determine its comprehensiveness relative to existing models.