Object Relations Theories and Psychopathology

<p>Twenty-nine years since the first edition was released Frank Summers has renewed his</p><p>lucid and thorough clarification of the various object relations theories to demonstrate</p><p>their evolution and continued significance for therapeutic practice.</p><p>This volume includes elucidation of the major scholarship that has advanced the ideas</p><p>of object relations theorists such as Fairbairn Klein Winnicott Kernberg and Kohut</p><p>since the publication of the first edition. A thorough and detailed new chapter devoted to</p><p>the emergence and development of relational psychoanalysis has been added to make this</p><p>volume a “state of the art” articulation of current object relations thinking. The ideas and</p><p>assumptions of each theory relative to metapsychology psychopathology and treatment</p><p>are expounded alongside a critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of each</p><p>approach. With extensive use of historic case material Summers shows how each object</p><p>relations theory yields specific clinical approaches to a variety of syndromes and how these</p><p>approaches entail specific modifications in clinical technique.</p><p>This volume will be essential reading for all analysts psychologists psychiatrists and</p><p>social workers who wish to familiarize themselves with object relations theories in general</p><p>sharpen their understanding of the work of specific object relations theorists or enhance</p><p>their ability to employ these theories in their clinical work.</p>