Discussion of Otto Kernberg’s paper “Some Implications of New Developments in Neurobiology for Psychoanalytic Object Relations Theory”

Abstract

ABSTRACT The attempt to integrate the well developed concepts of object relations theory with those of neuropsychoanalysis and affective neuroscience enriches both conceptualizations. It is suggested, however, that this effort is significantly limited by the reductionist strategy of both disciplines and that the use of concepts from nonlinear dynamic systems theory could inform further developments in the direction outlined by Kernberg.