Object Relations Theories and Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Text

by Frank Summers

Twenty-nine years since the first edition was released, Frank Summers has renewed his lucid and thorough clarification of the various object relations theories to demonstrate their evolution and continued significance for therapeutic practice. A detailed critical account is given of major object relations theorists such as Fairbairn, Klein, Winnicott, Kernberg and Kohut, and new material devoted to the emergence and development of relational psychoanalysis has been added. The ideas and assumptions of each theory relative to metapsychology, psychopathology and treatment are expounded, alongside a critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of each approach. With extensive use of historic case material, Summers 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. This volume will be essential reading for all analysts, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers who wish to familiarise 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.

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is poorly written. The author restates the same point in several long, convoluted sentences that are difficult to decipher and do not add to your understanding. The author doesn't provide the essence of an idea first; instead, he immediately plunges into parsing and refining an idea to microscopic granularity - then, at the end of the chapter, he provides a paragraph that makes the essential point. I'm very interested in object relations theory. I read the first chapter word-for-word; I did not want to skim. After every paragraph, I asked myself to summarize the essential point of the paragraph. I couldn't do it, because the writing was so unclear. Then I would skim the paragraph, thinking that perhaps doing so might give more clarity, but no. I did manage to decipher the first chapter. I can confidently say that what I learned wasn't so complex that it required such labyrinthine writing. I tried to forge ahead into the second chapter, but I'm 53 and have only so much time left on this earth. There are better writers who can communicate these wonderful, rich, complex ideas with clarity and nuance and their writing doesn't require an hour to gain a bare understanding of just 2 - 3 pages. I donated the book and moved on.

[Tuomas Mansikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirjoittajalta erittäin vaikuttava suoritus: objektisuhdeteorioiden kattavaa ja tarkkaakin läpikäyntiä, niiden kriittistä tarkastelua ja vertailua.