Singular and plural objects: Thoughts on object relations theory

Object relations theory has been dominated by the concept of the mother as the primary and most influential object in infancy. New considerations of the role of the father are questioning this premise and raising issues about the influence of multi-object relationships in very early life. Illustrations are drawn from different cultures with a wide variety of child rearing practices. Implications for theory, assessment, and treatment are illustrated through case material.in private practice. This article is a revised version of an address to The New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Work, May 22, 1983.