Question

Describe object relations theory. In addition, consider the nature versus nurture debate. Which factor (genetics or environment) would an object relations theorist believe is the biggest contributing factor to personality?

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Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Object relations theory is one that suggests that a person’s cognitive development and psyche are influenced and shaped from interpersonal relationships from one’s childhood. Some of the most influential relationships are that with the mother and the family. Later on in life, the person might undergo further changes based on the sociological environment that a person is exposed to.

According to the “nature and nurture” debate, the term “nurture” would generally refer to the environmental factors that mould and shape our personality and emotional state. This term is closely linked to Sociology. The term “nature” refers to the inherent temperament that each individual is born with. This term is closely studied in Psychology.

This means that the human personality is an amalgamation of one’s inherent “nature” or genetic factors like psyche, temperament, personality etc. Along with this, the “nurture” or factors like environment, peers, upbringing, social influences etc also play an important role in shaping the human personality.

An object relations theorist is likely to believe that “nurture” is a factor that is more important than “nature” in terms of being an influence on one’s personality.