Reflections on Object Relations in Psychoanalytic Theory by Jay Greenberg and Stephen Mitchell

Abstract

This discussion praises Object Relations in Psychoanalytic Theory by Jay Greenberg and Stephen Mitchell for the clarity with which it compares various psychoanalytic theories and their pedagogical usefulness. However, it emphasizes that the book views comparative psychoanalysis based on choices and assumptions with which many might differ. “Object relations” is only one of several possible lenses through which psychoanalytic theories might have been compared. By selecting object relations as the organizing perspective the authors ignore some important theorists such as Arlow and Brenner or Erik Erikson. It also notes that Greenberg and Mitchell view the choice of theoretical position as simply a matter of personal preference. This ignores the possibility of scientifically evaluating which psychoanalytic approach is most likely to achieve the best results.