object relations theory

any psychoanalytically based theory that views the need to relate to objects as more central to personality organization and motivation than the vicissitudes of the instincts. These theories developed from and in reaction to classic Freudian theories of psychodynamics. Some theories—for example, Fairbairnian theory and the approach of Melanie Klein—view the personality as organized in terms of a complex world of internal object representations and their relationships with each other.

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Psychology term of the day

November 17th 2024

sexual tension

a condition of anxiety and restlessness associated with the sex drive and a normal desire for release of sexual energy. Sexual tension may be complicated by fear of inadequate performance, fear of an unwanted pregnancy, fear of discovery, or other concerns.