Object Relations Theories and Psychopathology

<p>In <em>Object Relations Theories and Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Text</em> Frank Summers provides thorough lucid and critically informed accounts of the work of major object relations theorists: Fairbairn Guntrip Klein Winnicott Kernberg and Kohut. His expositions achieve distinction on two counts. First the work of each object relations theorist is presented as a comprehensive whole with separate sections expounding the theorist's ideas and assumptions about metapsychology development psychopathology and treatment with a critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of the theory in question. Second the emphasis in each chapter is on issues of clinical understanding and technique. Making extensive use of case material provided by each of the theorists he shows how each object relations theory yields specific clinical approaches to a variety of syndromes and how these approaches entail specific modifications in clinical technique.<br><br>Beyond his detailed attention to the theoretical and technical differences among object relations theories Summers' penultimate chapter discusses the similarities and differences of object relations and interpersonal theories. And his concluding chapter outlines a pragmatic object relations approach to development psychopathology and technique that combines elements of all object relations theories without opting for any single theory.<br><br><em>Object Relations Theories and Psychopathology</em> is that rare event in psychoanalytic publishing: a substantial readable text that surveys a broad expanse of theoretical and clinical landscape with erudition sympathy and critical perspective. It will be essential reading for all analysts psychologists psychiatrists and social workers who wish to familiarize themselves with object relations theories in general sharpen their understanding of the work of specific object relations theorists or enhance their ability to employ these theories in their clinical work.</p>