How do transitional objects work
The therapist's view
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9619018 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jenny Arthern (University of Leeds, corresponding author), Anna Madill (0000-0002-9406-507X, University of Leeds) |
| Year | 1999 |
| Volume | 72 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 1-21 |
| Publication date | 1999-03-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | British Journal of Medical Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-1129 • E-ISSN: 2056-5194 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1348/000711299159754 |
| PMID | 10194569 |
| OpenAlex | W2147375193 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
Research into the use of transitional objects (Winnicott, 1971) by adult clients in psychotherapy has given little attention to the question of how a transitional object (TO) works. This question is addressed through the use of a semi‐structured interview. Data was collected on the clinical practice and theoretical understanding of TO emergence and use of three psychodynamic‐interpersonal (PI) and three Gestalt psychotherapists. A grounded theory analysis suggests that a TO works by a process of embodiment which can be structured with reference to a four‐level model consisting of physical, process, contextual and conceptual levels. Therapists of both orientations emphasized the TO as a focus of intersubjectivity within the therapeutic relationship. Differences between the PI and Gestalt therapists are also examined. The clinical implications of this four‐level model of embodiment for the use of TOs in psychotherapy are explored, together with suggestions for further research
Epistemology · Focus (optics) · Gestalt psychology · Interpersonal communication · Intersubjectivity · Object (grammar) · Object relations theory · Process (computing) · Psychoanalytic theory · Psychodynamics · Psychotherapist · Child Therapy and Development · Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,13 |
| Citation span | 2003 - 2019 (17) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |