1. Chapter Nine Psychosocial Theories

2. Object Relation Theories Theories focusing on relations with others Primary tasks in life focus on relations with others Many theories with some overlap: –Patterns of relating to others established in early childhood –Patterns recur throughout life

3. Mahler’s Theory Initial state of infant—fusion or symbiosis with mother –Differentiation between self and mother does not exist Development represents a process of separation- individuation –This need is in conflict with the need to be taken care of –If process goes too fast = separation anxiety –At age 3, stable representation of mother develops, which is derived from experiences –Uses image as lens to view mother in future –Uses image to generalize to other people These patterns form the core of adult patterns of relationships

4. Self Psychology (Kohut) Relationships create the structure for the self Initial needs involving others (selfobject) are narcissistic Responding to a child’s narcissistic needs in an empathic accepting way establishes a sense of self Initial sense of self is grandiose Grandiosity eventually evolves into ambition and self-esteem Love illustrates an adult form of mirroring—people represent selfobjects for each other and demonstrate mutual mirroring

5. Attachment Theory Attachment—basic element of human nature involving an emotional connection to others Infant attachment –Carries survival benefits (proximity maintenance) –Develops as mother (caretaker) responds to infant’s needs and provides a dependable base from which the infant can explore the world and retreat from threat Patterns of infant attachment—Strange Situation Test –Secure attachment—distress at mother’s departure and happy enthusiasm at return –Insecure attachments: Ambivalent—unusually upset at departure; approach, rejection, and anger at return Avoidant—calm at departure; avoidance and rejection at return

6. Adult Attachment Patterns Idea that working models of relationships developed in childhood carry over into adulthood (Hazan and Shaver) –Relationships of Secure people: More happy; friendly; trusting; longer lasting Mental model of love: It’s real and it stays –Relationships of Avoidant people: Less accepting of lovers’ imperfections Mental model of love: Cynical, romantic love doesn’t last –Relationships of Ambivalent people Obsessive; preoccupied; extremes of emotions, sexual attraction, and jealousy; love at first sight Mental model of love: Falling in love is easy, but doesn’t last

7. Alternate Conceptualization of Adult Attachment Two dimensional approach –Self (positive vs. negative) / Other (trustworthy vs. not trustworthy) – Trustworthy Not Trustworthy Positive Secure (Secure) Dismissing Negative Preoccupied (Ambivalent) Fearful Other Self (Avoidance) (Hazan and Shaver Labels)

8. Stability and Specificity Stability –Mixed findings that suggest overall a moderate level of stability across time –Review of literature suggests a prototype for close relationships arises in infancy and persists in the face of new experience –Those who show patterns of change over time may be those who are insecure, but have periods of security Specificity –People demonstrate different patterns for relationships in different contexts (close friends, groups)

9. Other Implications of Adult Attachment Avoidant: –Socialize less at work; greater desire to keep busy –Seek less support during stress; provide less support to stress partners –Less responsive caregiving –Greater use of distancing coping Ambivalent: –Unhappiness with job recognition and security –Higher levels of compulsive caregiving –Higher levels of self-criticism and wishful thinking coping Pairings: –STABLE— Secure – Secure; Avoidant men – Ambivalent women –UNSTABLE— Ambivalent – Ambivalent; Avoidant – Avoidant; Ambivalent men – Avoidant women

10. Psychosocial Development Developed by Erik Erikson Stages from birth to old age (life-span development) –Each stage characterized by a central conflict around which growth potential and vulnerability are high No single stage is more important than another Central themes –Ego identity and its development is critically important Develops from transactions with social reality Changes in response to events in social environment –Competency and personal adequacy Competency is key motivator of behavior Competence results from mastery of a stage

11. Early Psychosocial Stages Infancy (Year 1) — Trust vs. Mistrust –Basis for proving the world is predictable and developing the ego strength of hope Early Childhood (Years 2–3) — Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt –Basis for feelings of control and competency and developing the ego strength of will Preschool (Years 3–5) — Initiative vs. Guilt –Basis for a sense of power in the world and developing the ego strength of purpose School Age (Years 5–11) — Industry vs. Inferiority –Basis for sense of value, citizenship, and developing the ego strength of competence

12. Adolescence Identity vs. Role Confusion (Years 12–20) –Basis for an integrated sense of private and social self and developing the ego strength of fidelity –Role confusion can create difficulties selecting a career and cause the person to identify with popular heros and groups

13. Later Psychosocial Stages Young Adulthood (20s) — Intimacy vs. Isolation –Basis for close, warm relationships and developing the ego strength of love Adulthood (to 60s) — Generativity vs. Stagnation –Basis for positively influencing the future and developing the ego strength of care Old Age — Ego Identity vs. Despair –Basis for sense of order and meaning in life and developing the ego strength of wisdom

14. The Epigenetic Principle Core issues of each conflict exist simultaneously, but are particularly focal at a given stage Implications: –Outcome of earlier crisis influences orientation to later one –Solutions for a crisis, prepare one for upcoming crises –Resolutions of previous crises are reshaped at each new stage

15. Erikson’s Link to Other Psychosocial Theories Issues of trust permeate all theories –Object relation theories imply a sense of trust required for an investment of energy in others –Trust is a key issue in secure attachment

16. Assessment Similar to those in ego psychology with a focus on relationships Since childhood experience is seen as an important determinant of adult behavior, emphasis is on childhood assessment –Play as a means of assessment allows expression of concerns not possible with words

17. Problems in Behavior Problems are rooted in relationship issues Narcissism may stem from inadequate childhood mirroring (Kohut) Insecure attachment creates risk for depression

18. Therapy Play therapy techniques for children Emphasis on role of relationships Desire to restore sense of connectedness with others Therapist uses role to allow patient to reorganize problematic parts of self and ways of relating to others