Object-Relations Theory of Self-Harm - Essay Example

Apply an aspect of object-relations theory (or the work of an object-relations theorist) to the situation of self-harm. Introduction Application of theory into practice or the employment of skills and ideas in real life situations has been regarded as one of the most essential elements of education and learning in the modern context. All the theories and critical approaches get the complete and perfect meaning as they are found appropriate in dealing with situations. In this sense, all the knowledge or the awareness of psychoanalytical object relations theory has a great relevance in being applied in cultural or historical events or situations. In this paper, such an endeavour to apply an aspect of object relations theory to the situation of self harm is initiated. "Object relations theory is a modern adaptation of psychoanalytic theory that places less emphasis on the drives of aggression and sexuality as motivational forces and more emphasis on human relationships as the primary motivational force in life" (Klee 2007). The object relations theorists, as Freud suggested, believe that we are relationship seeking rather than pleasure seeking. It emphasises the interpersonal relations and "object" is a significant person who is the target or object of another's intentions whereas "relations" means interpersonal relations and "suggests the residues of past relationships that affect a person in the present" (Object Relations Theory. 2007). Comprehending the theory in relation to self-harm, which "is when someone deliberately hurts or injures him or herself," has been the focal point of this paper. (What is self-harm 2008). The Object Relations Theory and Self-Harm Object relations theory is a "theory of object relations developed in the UK by the British-based Austrian psychoanalyst Melanie Klein (1882-1960), the English psychoanalyst Donald Woods Winnicott (1896-1971), the Scottish psychoanalyst W. Ronald D. Fairbairn (1889-1964), the British-based Hungarian psychiatrist Michael Balint (1896-1970), and others" (Object relations theory. 2001). In the analysis of the relationships between individuals and between an individual to himself, the object relations theory has made remarkable contributions and this theory is all about relationships between people, especially within a family. One of its "basic tenet is that we are driven to form relationships with others and that failure to form successful early relationships leads to later problems" (Object relations theory. 2007). More importantly, this theory is concerned with the relationship of a subject with its internalised objects as well as externalised objects. Though, the idea of object relations was invented and developed by Karl Abraham, it was Melaine Klein who developed it into a modern theory. The object relations theory may be understood as the adaptation of the Freudian Psychoanalytic theory, which "provided a radically new approach to the analysis and treatment of "abnormal" adult behaviour" (Quigley 1998). However, this theory is much an extended and developed to the Freudian psychoanalytical theory as it emphasises more of a social system of relationships. Therefore, "Object Relations Theory offers a much more social view of psychological development than does the earlier Freudian account, seeing individuals as formed in relation to, and seeking connection with, other individuals. Instead of Freud's notion of libidinal stages of child development, it emphasizes the gradual differentiation of the self through the formation of reflections of experiences of real people from earliest infancy, or in other words of internal 'objects" (Object Relations Theory. 2001). The object relations theory is based on "the assumption that the psychological life of the human being is created in and through relations with other human beings. Thus, the object relations theorist distinguishes between the physical and the psychological birth of the individual" (Object Relations Theory. 2001). Whereas the physical birth of a human being happens over a period of time, the psychological birth is extended over the first three years of life and is a result of social relationships. One of the very exciting psychological applications of the theory may be realised on the specific notion of self harm, which as we already have seen, is a practice of hurting or harming oneself through various ways. "In much of the literature and in many people's minds, the term 'self-harm' is reserved for obvious acts of self-directed violence, in particular repetitive self-cutting, self-burning and overdosing" (Turp 2003, p.16). A person with this psychological disorder usually takes too many tablets, cuts themselves, burns their body, bang their head, throws their body against hard objects, punches themselves, sticks things in their body, or swallows inappropriate objects. (Self-Harm. 2007). There are various types of self harm and whereas some young people self harm on a regular basis others do it once a while. Also, there are self harms, which happen due to specific problems that may be over by a period of time as well as other types which is repeated whenever the problems occur. "A few people who self-harm may go on to commit suicide - generally this is not what they intend to do. In fact, self-harm can be seen as the 'opposite' of suicide as it is often a way of coping with life rather than of giving up on it." The alternate terms for self harm are deliberate self-harm, attempted suicide, para-suicide, self-mutilation and self-injury. (Information on self-harm. 2003). Self-harm is a very damaging practice to both body and mind and therefore it is of paramount concern for the people who suffer from this disorder. As there are various dangerous signs involved in this disorder, it can often be destructive and so it is always advisable to go for the best remedial measures to solve the problem. One can avail assistance for this from non-professionals, self help groups, professionals, and various other sources. In taking the assistance of the professionals, they follow various scientific methods like problem solving therapy, cognitive psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and the like (Self-Harm. 2007). Psychoanalytical theory, therefore, is found most useful in this regard and as an extension of it, we find the object relations theory as the powerful and frequently used practice of dealing with the specific disorder. The professionals in the field rely greatly on the theory of psychoanalysis in their therapeutic dealing with the clients. There are various types of persons, other than the professionals who practice the therapy, who are interested in the specific nature of the disorder of self-harm. "Object relations theory offers a valuable way of thinking about what is going on" (Turp 2003, p. 16). The implications of psychoanalytic theory and the object relations theory in the comprehension and the treatment of self harm has often recognised. "Object relations theory can make a unique contribution at the micro level with an understanding of intrapsychic processes which influence adult interpersonal behaviour" (Zosky 2004). The theories of Freud, Klein and Winnicott et al are often found useful in dealing with the issue of self harm. "Self-injury has often been reported as a coping strategy to gain control. Psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioural concepts have been used to understand why people self-injure and also inform intervention strategies" (Rayner 2005). The concepts of projection and projective identification need to be reflected upon in this context. Projection is a defence based on repression of an unacceptable intra-psychic experience which is often projected, by the client, on to the therapist. In process of projective identification the projection of intolerable (rather than unacceptable) features of an intra-psychic experience by the person affected happens on to the therapist. Projective identification is many a time found a very useful method of therapy in dealing with people who self harm. (Gardner 2001, p. 115-116). The trauma and disassociation in bodily self-harm have been analysed with the help of psychoanalytic theories. "There is a growing psychoanalytic interest in dissociation as basic to human mental functioning, and a view of the mind as a configuration of shifting, nonlinear states of consciousness, shaped not only by repression and intrapsychic conflict but also by trauma. Dissociation is a precious psychic survival tool that arises from the need to separate and compartmentalize aspects of traumatic experience while maintaining the attachment, to those who have neglected or abused them" (Farber 2006). Only a psychoanalytical approach of the person of self-harm can make the therapy work in favour of the client. A complete understanding of the client, his behavioural pattern, inner personal elements like the id, ego and superego working in the person, complete experiencing of the person's inner self and perfect dedication to the client's needs are essential in dealing with this specific problem. There are various types of precautions to be taken in dealing with people who self harm and a psychoanalytic approach is the best method suggested. "All defences must be treated respectfully and cautiously, even when those defences are potentially life-threatening symptoms. Because the expression of emotions, especially anger, is so concrete, impulsive, and destructive, these patients cannot tolerate analysis of defence; in fact it can evoke more anxiety and more self-harm behaviour" (Farber 2006). Therefore, the theories of object relations and the psychoanalysis find their great role in this practice. There are various other applications of the theories of object relations and psychoanalysis in relation to self-harm and the identification of its reasons. In the understanding of the reasons for self harm, for example, the object relations theory is found valuable. Freudian concepts of Oedipus complex and Electra complex are sometimes recognised as the reason for a person to acquire the habit of self harm. The persons are often affected very much by the childhood experience in finding relief in self-harm. The object relations, one develops in the childhood, has a great influence on the person in the acquisition of the habit of self-harm. Research findings support this conclusion, as it is suggested that the women who would self hurt were affected in their relations with their mothers. Thus, Welldon suggests that the origin of the women's self-harm can be traced back in their early object relations with the mothers. During Adolescence, if she hates her mother's sexual body and is unable to identify with her body, the adolescent girl will use her hand to attack her own body in a compulsive way by, for example, cutting her arms or wrists in doing such harm to their bodies they are expressing tremendous dissatisfaction, not only with themselves but also with their mothers, who provided them with the bodies they are now fighting." (Welldon 1992). Therefore, all the attempts to analyse and find conclusions on the psychic disorder of self-harm, make use of the theory of object relations. As we deal with the object relations theory in connection with self-harm, let us remember that "the term "object-relations" refers to the self-structure we internalize in early childhood, which functions as a blueprint for establishing and maintaining future relationships. Psychopathology is an expression of traumatic self-object internalizations from childhood acted out in our current relationships. Psychotherapy is the resolution of these self-destructive patterns of relating so we can mature and self-actualize" (Klee 2008). Object relations theory has a wide scope of application in the psychic disorder of self-harm. The practice of self-harm is very much analysed and studied in the theory of object relations. It is primarily because the disorder is related with the ego-self and it is formulated mainly in the childhood. It is remarkable that "the ego-self exists only in relation to other objects, which may be external or internal. The internal objects are internalized versions of external objects, primarily formed from early interactions with the parents. There are three fundamental 'affects' that can exist between the self and the other - attachment, frustration, and rejection. These affects are universal emotional states that are major building blocks of the personality." (Object-Relations Psychoanalytic Theory. 2007). It is noteworthy that the object relations theory has been applied to the therapeutic treatment of self harm or self mutilation. According to this theory, wounds and scars are transitional objects that facilitate the separation and individuation of a person. All the attempts of the objective relations theorists are directed towards the observation of individuals in relation to oneself and others. It is remarked that the self-directed aggression are primarily part of self defensive strategies adopted by the persons. These acts of self aggression are viewed by many psychologists as forming part of the sexual development and nature of an individual. Through the various stages of development, a child develops the habit of self harm as a way to express the aggressive protests in the mental make up. As a child grows up the external aggression being suppressed turns to internal aggression finding happiness in harming the self. The various reasons like the oppression of the caretakers, the abandonment by the loved ones, the feeling of loneliness, fear and anxiety rooted at the past etc form part of the mental make up for self harm. "Physical conditioning may be one aspect of the libidinization of pain, but psychic factors may also play a role in the transformation of an experience from something bad into something good. Self-preservation may instinctively demand that the caretaker always be preserved as a good object, dedicated to the protection of the dependent and defenceless child" (Milia 2000, p. 58). Due to the advancement of the objective relations theory and its applications in the numerous mental troubles of human beings, including the disorder of self-harm, we can safely state that the theories are very much additions to the treatments available to clients. As a result of these applications, many a time the professionals can identify the reasons behind people resort in self harming activities and this leads to the better and efficient treatment of these psychic disorders. Today, there are numerous ways in the behavioral techniques and psychotropic medications and treatments in which persons who self-injure caused by mental retardation, autism, and related developmental disabilities are treated. Most of the techniques are found effective in the treatment of this particular defect. Research studies suggest that the treatment of people who self-harm are most often found effective when theories like objective relations are applied. A quantitative synthesis of the peer-reviewed published literature from 1983 to 2003 documenting the treatment of self-injurious behaviour suggests the effectiveness of the practice in the treatment of self-harm. The studies on the sample of 27 research articles involving 86 subjects with self-injury proved that the treatment was effectual. "Eighty percent of subjects were reported to improve relative to baseline (i.e., SIB reduced) during naltrexone administration and 47% of subjects SIB was reduced by 50% or greater" (Symons et al 2004). As we have remarked, the efficiency of object relations theory and psychoanalytic theory in the medication of the self-injurers cannot be questioned. There are two main features that the people who self harm display, and they are negative emotionality and self-derogation. In the treatment of self-harm, it is often found that this act is mainly done in order to express self-directed fury or repulsion, influence or seek help from others, end periods of dissociation or depersonalization, and help resist suicidal thoughts. In these cases, the most successful approach will be one that blends object relations theory. "Self-injury is most often performed to temporarily alleviate intense negative emotions, but may also serve Psychotherapies that emphasize emotion regulation, functional assessment, and problem solving appear to be most effective in treating self-injury." (Klonsky et al 2008). Bibliography FARBER, Sharon. K (2006). The inner predator: Trauma and dissociation in bodily self-harm. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.division39.org/sec_com_pdfs/Farber.pdf Gardner, Fiona., 2001. Self-Harm: A Psychotherapeutic Approach. P. 115-116. Psychology Press. Information on self-harm. (2003). What is self-harm [online]. National children bureau. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.selfharm.org.uk/information/what/default.aspa KLEE, Thomas (2008). Key Concepts: Object Relations Theory. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.objectrelations.org/orkey.htm KLONSKY, E. David et al. (2008). Self-injury: A research review for the practitioner. [online]. Willey inter science. Last accessed 27 January 2008 at: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/116329803/ABSTRACT Milia, D., 2000. Self-Mutilation and Art Therapy: Violent Creation. Jessica Kingsley. P. 58. Object Relations Theory. (2007). Overview. [online]. Sonoma State University. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.sonoma.edu/users/d/daniels/objectrelations.html Object relations theory. (2001). [online]. High beam Encyclopedia. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O87-objectrelationstheory.html Object relations theory. (2007). Description. [online]. Changing minds.org. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://changingminds.org/disciplines/psychoanalysis/concepts/object_relations.htm Object-Relations Psychoanalytic Theory. (2007). [online]. Philweb. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.phillwebb.net/history/TwentiethCentury/Continental/Psychoanalysis/Psychoanalysis.ObjectRelations.htm QUIGLEY, T.R (1998). Object Relations Theory. Freudian, Lacanian and Object Relations Theory. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://cepa.newschool.edu/quigleyt/vcs/psychoanalysis.html QYIGLEY, T.R (1998). Freudian Theory. Freudian, Lacanian and Object Relations Theory Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://cepa.newschool.edu/quigleyt/vcs/psychoanalysis.html RAYNER, Gillian C (2005). Counter transference and Self-Injury: A Cognitive Behavioural Cycle. [online]. Black well synergy. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03344.xjournalCode=jan Self-Harm. (2007). What is Self-Harm [online]. The royal collage of psychiatrists. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/depression/self-harm.aspx SYMONS, Frank J. et al. (2004). Self-injurious behaviour and the efficacy of naltrexone treatment: A quantitative synthesis. [online]. Willey inter science. Last accessed 27 January 2008 at: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/109859370/ABSTRACT Turp, Maggie., 2003. Hidden Self-Harm: Narratives from Psychotherapy. p. 16. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Welldon, Estela., 1992. Mother, Madonna, Whore: The Idealization and Denigration of Motherhood. New York: Guilford Press. What is self-harm (2008). Schools and Colleges. [online]. Young people and self harm. Last accessed 25 January 2008 at: http://www.selfharm.org.uk/professionals/teachers/scwhatisself-harm/default.aspa ZOSKY, DianeL (2004). Abstract. The Application of Object Relations Theory to Domestic Violence. [online]. Springerlink. Last accessed 27 January 2008 at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u0570115388333v2/ Read More