What are Object Relations?

Object Relations are an important area of Psychoanalysis, first described by Melanie Klein in 1921.

The term Object Relations can confuse some people who presume it refers to human relationship to external objects. In fact the term refers relationship to our internalised objects found in the human psyche. In Object Relations theory, objects are usually people, parts of people (for example the mother’s breast), or symbols of one of these.

Object relations theory places less emphasis on biological based drives than Freudian Psychoanalysis. Emphasis is instead placed on interpersonal relationships. Object Relations Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy perceive humans desire to connect with each other and form relationships as a primary driver of personal development and human behaviour.

Melanie Klein’s early learning and work, which gave birth to Object Relations theory, consisted of analysing her own children when they were infants. She further developed her understanding of Object Relations during her work as a Child Psychoanalyst. Hence Object Relations theory places great emphasis on the primal aspects of interpersonal relationships.