Thinking Through Fairbairn:
Exploring the Object Relations Model of Mind, by Graham S. Clarke, Routledge,
2017
Thinking through Fairbairn
offers parallel perspectives on Fairbairn's work. It explores an extended
interpretation of his 'psychology of dynamic structure' and applies that model
to a number of different areas. Fairbairn's Scottish origins are explored through
his relationship with the work of Ian Suttie and Edward Glover.A new extended
object relations model of phantasy and inner reality that reflects Fairbairn's
approach as represented by his contribution to the Controversial Discussions is
also developed. In cooperation with Paul Finnegan, this version of Fairbairn's
model is applied to an understanding of multiple personality disorder or
dissociative identity disorder. This model is combined with Fairbairn's theory
of art to provide an understanding of some 'puzzle' films based in trauma and
dissociation. Fairbairn's theory is presented here as a synthesis of classical
and relational approaches, and his appropriation by relational theorists as a
precursor to exclusively relational approaches challenged. The deep structure
of Fairbairn's object relations model is developed through a detailed
comparison with Glover's ego-nuclei model. Fairbairn's nuanced view of instinct
and affect is investigated and some parallels with neuropsychoanalysis
developed. Finally some ways that the developed model might be further enhanced
to become a general model are suggested. (amazon)
Personal relationships concern us all, they
are essential to our becoming who we are and constitute our most vital
experience of what it is like to be alive and human. This book proposes a new
approach to understanding who we are based on the work of Ronald Fairbairn,
John Macmurray and Ian Suttie, whose ideas provide a positive perspective on
our future collective possibilities.
Personal Relations Theory presents a new and
comprehensive account of Fairbairn's mature theory. Part I provides a
thorough overview of Fairbairn's work and its ramifications for our
understanding of creativity and the nature of inner reality. Part II
covers Fairbairn's relationship to Macmurray and Suttie, and their relevance to
realist philosophy, the scientific status of psychoanalysis, attachment theory
and the politics of the personal relations view point. Subjects discussed in
depth include:
Internal
objects and inner reality: Fairbairn and Klein
Fairbairn's
theory of art in the light of his mature model of mind
The
preconscious and psychic change in Fairbairn's model of mind
The politics of
attachment theory and personal relations theory: Fairbairn, Suttie and Bowlby
The combination of Fairbairn, Macmurray and
Suttie presented here forms an original strand of object relations theory,
which has implications and consequences for a wide spectrum of concerns. This
book will be of value to anyone interested in psychoanalysis, especially in
relation to politics, society and the arts. (amazon)
