Selfobjects

Selfobjects are external people, experiences, or objects that help shape and support our sense of self and emotional well-being. They provide the necessary validation, empathy, and a sense of connection that we need to feel secure, confident, and balanced. For example, a caring parent or mentor acts as a selfobject by reflecting our feelings and helping us develop a stable identity. When selfobjects are supportive and responsive, they contribute to healthy self-esteem; when absent or invalidating, they can lead to difficulties in emotional functioning.