In object relations theory, which term denotes that an object remains present in the psyche even when out of sight?

In object relations theory, which term denotes that an object remains present in the psyche even when out of sight?

• A. Object constancy
• B. Self object
• C. Formation of identity
• D. Narcissistic personality

Answer: (A)

Object constancy denotes that an object remains present in the psyche even when out of sight. In object relations theory, this internalized, enduring representation of a significant other allows the person to feel the object’s continued presence, providing emotional continuity, security, and a stable sense of relationship even when the actual person isn’t nearby. It’s about mental images and the ongoing sense that love, care, or relatedness persists beyond physical absence, rather than about the object being physically visible. This differs from object permanence, which is about knowing objects continue to exist when not seen. Other terms describe different ideas: a self object refers to interactions that meet the self’s needs for mirroring or cohesion, formation of identity concerns developing a cohesive sense of self, and narcissistic personality pertains to a particular personality pattern.

Object constancy denotes that an object remains present in the psyche even when out of sight. In object relations theory, this internalized, enduring representation of a significant other allows the person to feel the object’s continued presence, providing emotional continuity, security, and a stable sense of relationship even when the actual person isn’t nearby. It’s about mental images and the ongoing sense that love, care, or relatedness persists beyond physical absence, rather than about the object being physically visible. This differs from object permanence, which is about knowing objects continue to exist when not seen. Other terms describe different ideas: a self object refers to interactions that meet the self’s needs for mirroring or cohesion, formation of identity concerns developing a cohesive sense of self, and narcissistic personality pertains to a particular personality pattern.