대상관계이론의 관점에서 본 자녀양육과 자아발달

Parenting and Self Development Through the Lens of Object Relations Theory: A Focus on Klein, Bion, and Winnicott

The modern psychoanalytic approach of object relations theory, in particular, has emphasized that human beings grow up and exist in interactional relationships. Furthermore, these theories purport that self-development occurs through internalizing those relationships. This study explores the relationship between parenting and self-development from the perspectives of Klein, Bion, and Winnicott’s object relations theories. These three theorists have highlighted primary caregivers’ critical role in a child’s self-development. This study focuses on the main concepts of these theorists, including “projective identification,” “containment,” and “holding.” The study examines the implications of each concept to better understand the role of parenting in a child’s self-development. The results of this study outline Klein’s “projective identification” as a defense mechanism. It serves as a child’s way of protecting themselves from anxieties due to death drive, while relating them to external objects. Bion’s containment theory provides perspective on the intersubjective relationship between a mother and child. This is critical in the context of the child’s self-development. Lastly, Winnicott emphasized the role of the mother as a holding environment for a child.