Object Relations Family Therapy - Answers a model developed by Scharff and Scharff; based on
principles in object relations theory that emphasize the internalization of experiences as the
developmental foundation on which humans form relationships and attachments.
Object Relations Theory - Answers the theory that people are motivated by a basic need for human
connection rather than basic sexual and aggressive drives, and that repeated parent-child interactions,
particularly unsatisfying ones, are internalized in the form of objects. In development, infants experience
and internalize others in a variety of ways. The focus and interest of this model is Early Childhood
Experiences and how a child forms attachments
Names Associated with Object Relations Theory - Answers James Framo, Henry Dix, Norman Paul, Jill
and David Scharff, Ronald Fairbairn and Melanie Klein
Major Concepts of Object Relations - Answers Projection, Projection Identification, Objects (ideal,
exciting, rejecting), Ego Systems (exciting, central, rejecting), Repressed Systems, (anti-libidinal,
libidinal),
Anti-Libidinal System - Answers an Object Relations concept explaining 1 of 2 repressed systems within
the Ego characterized by Aggression, Rage and Contempt.
Anti-Libidinal Ego - Answers in Object Relations, the part of the ego that is formed from interactions with
the Rejecting object.
Central Ego - Answers from Object Relations, it is one of three parts of the ego. It is conscious,
adaptable, and Free to deal with future experiences with attachment figures in Reasonable Ways. It
maintains its own object, the ideal object.
Dirty Middle (The) - Answers from Framo's couples therapy. This is an impasse in treatment when
couples have gained some Insight about the nature of the problems and the Irrationality of their
demands on one another but they still have Differences as to what each wants from one another and
from the marriage.
Exciting Ego - Answers from Object Relations, it is one of three parts of the ego. It is unconscious,
inflexible, and in a state of longing for a Tempting but Unsatisfying object.
Exciting Object - Answers from Object Relations. This External object can be experienced in 1 of 3 ways.
"This" object leads to feelings of satisfaction. This gives rise to the Libidinal Ego
Ideal Object - Answers from Object Relations. This External object can be experienced in 1 of 3 ways.
"This" object leads to feelings of Satisfaction. It's free from exciting or rejecting aspects or egos.