Richard’s Case Conceptualization: Psychodynamic/Object Relations Theory

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Richard’s Case Conceptualization: Psychodynamic/Object Relations Theory Hypothesis based on theory’s concepts Richard’s history suggests that he did not have the opportunity to form adequate attachment bonds with his mother or father (he reports both parents as alcoholic and absent). It appears that he also lacked other adult figures in his environment (relatives, siblings) with whom to form significant relations (he was an only child and reports being very lonely and isolated as a child). Because of this deprivation of any significant nurturing relationship, as a child Richard must have felt great pain; together with the pain he likely experienced great anger both towards himself (blaming himself for his pain, feeling inadequate) and towards others (primarily maternal/paternal figures for failing to meet his needs). He might have concluded that he was not loved because he is defective and, therefore, not lovable, developing a negative sense of self. In order to avoid this pain, it is possible that early on, as a defense mechanism, Richard disconnected himself to a certain extent from his emotional self. This disconnect from his own emotions allowed him to survive emotionally as a child (adaptive quality of the defense). However, as an adult being disconnected from his own emotions has made it difficult for Richard to connect with others, feel empathy and develop intimate relationships (a defense that was adaptive in early life, continues to be used in adulthood with negative consequences) The early experiences of abandonment may have led Richard to develop a sense of self as an adult characterized by the beliefs that he is not lovable, he doesn’t have much to offer emotionally to others, and that he cannot trust others to meet his needs (he appears to fluctuate between believing that he doesn’t deserve other’s attention and care and believing that
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