Implications of object-relations theory for the behavioral treatment of agoraphobia.
In this paper I review recent developments in analytic object-relations theory and show how such a frame of reference can formulate and contribute useful clinical insights for the implementation of in-vivo exposure treatment. Since agoraphobic patients tend to relate to significant others, including therapists, in either a safety-producing or potentially anxiety-provoking fashion, knowledge of developmental object-relations theory can aid the behavior therapist in avoiding the enactment of one or the other side of the split. In-vivo exposure, is structured to guard against such enactments. However, the therapeutic relationship often becomes stormy and current social learning theory has provided few guides in managing the therapeutic relationship.
D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009769:Object Attachment; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations