Fairbairn's Concept of a Depressive Position

Fairbairn's concept of the depressive position refers to a developmental stage where a person begins to integrate conflicting feelings of love and resentment toward close others, especially caregivers. Instead of viewing others as entirely good or bad, they start to see both qualities together, leading to internal struggles and emotional complexity. This process involves mourning previous idealized relationships and accepting reality's imperfections, which can cause temporary feelings of sadness or depression. Successfully navigating this position allows for healthier relationships and emotional resilience, while difficulties can lead to persistent depressive symptoms and relational challenges.