The British Object Relations School

The British Object Relations School is a psychological theory emphasizing the importance of early relationships, particularly between infants and their caregivers, in shaping personality and emotional development. Founded by figures like Melanie Klein and Ronald Fairbairn, it suggests that these early interactions—how we perceive and relate to others—form "mental representations" or "objects" that influence our future relationships. The theory explores how these internalized experiences affect our behavior, feelings, and mental health throughout life, highlighting the significance of our emotional connections from a young age in understanding adult relationships and mental well-being.