p2 - topic 4: object relations theory

Question 1

otto kernberg: causes behind various symptoms of bdp

Answer 1

1. ego functions fail
2. primitive defense mechanisms
3. pathological internalised object relations

Question 2

donald winnicott 3 main concepts for a good and safe relationship

Answer 2

1. holding environment (react to child’s needs properly, feeding, bathing…, body is a safe space)
2. good enough parent (actively adapting to needs of infant, but gradually decreases for child to grow ability to tolerate frustrations)
3. transitional object (physical object that represents caregiver-child bond for child, offers safe replacement)

Question 3

otto kernberg: developmental model

Answer 3

1. normal autism
2. normal symbiosis
3. differentiated self-object representations (more severe personality disorders is blocked if developed)
4. integration of self and object representations

Question 4

melanie klein: main theories and development stages

Answer 4

splitting
1. paranoid schizoid position: splitting main function, positive feelings associated with an idealised object, negative feelings with a bad object
2. depressive position
object is responsible for positive and negative experiences, feeling guilt because of negative feeling towards love object (depressive anxiety)

Question 5

otto kernberg: levels of personality organisation

Answer 5

well-organised: normal neurotic personality functioning
moderately organised: mostly working ok
low organisation: borderline organisation level (identity important, person isnt going to have a full sense of identity)
disorganised: psychotic level of org

Question 6

margaret mahler development process theory

Answer 6

1. normal autistic phase (non object): children aren’t in deep relations with outer world, only in inner environment)
2. symbiotic phase: (no real borders between me and caregiver, important for emotional regulation)
3. process of separation / individuation (start to explore)

Question 7

otto kernberg: differentiated 4 levels

Answer 7

basic level
second level
moderate level
higher level

Question 8

otto kernberg: types of defense mechanisms

Answer 8

1. primitive defense mechanisms
2. comlpex defense mechanisms

Question 9

erikson’s psychosocial development stages

Answer 9

1. infancy (trust vs mistrust)
2. early childhood (autonomy vs shame and doubt)
3. preschool (initiative vs guilt)
4. school age (industry vs inferiority)
5. adolescence (identity vs role confusion)
6. young adulthood (intimacy vs isolation)
7. adulthood (generativity vs stagnation)
8. old age (ego identity vs despair)

Question 10

what are objects?

Answer 10

something which helps us with our desires, satisfying our needs

Question 11

object relations theory definition

Answer 11

what kinds of relationships we are forming with others and how this affects our relationships and work in social settings?

Question 12

strange situation test

Answer 12

ainsworth
significant moment: alone with stranger and caregiver returns
secure attachment
insecure attachment (ambivalent + avoidant)