In object relations theory, what are the underlying attitudes and behaviors analyzed by therapists called?

In object relations theory, the underlying attitudes and behaviors that are analyzed by therapists are referred to as projections. Projections involve the process by which individuals attribute their own feelings, thoughts, and attitudes onto others, often unconsciously. This mechanism plays a significant role in how relationships with significant others are formed and perceived, as individuals project their internal world onto external objects or people.

In the context of therapy, understanding these projections can help both the therapist and the client recognize how past experiences with significant figures, such as parents or caregivers, shape current relational dynamics. By unveiling these projections, therapists can assist clients in gaining insight into their interpersonal relationships and resolving conflicts rooted in their early experiences.

The other terms listed, such as derivatives, transference, and repressions, refer to different concepts. Transference specifically relates to a client's feelings about a significant figure being projected onto the therapist, while repressions pertain to the mechanisms of pushing troubling thoughts and feelings out of conscious awareness. Derivatives do not have a specific relevance within the scope of object relations theory in the context of this question. Understanding these distinctions strengthens one's grasp of object relations theory and its application in therapeutic settings.