Which term describes the concept that an object remains present in the mind even when it is not physically present?

Which term describes the concept that an object remains present in the mind even when it is not physically present?

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

Answer: (A)

Object constancy is the ability to hold a stable mental image of an object even when it isn’t physically present. This allows you to keep the sense that the object continues to exist, respond, and be available in some way during absence, supporting emotional continuity and relational trust. In therapy, this means clients can maintain connections to important figures or objects and anticipate their presence even when they’re not in view, which helps with regulation and security. The other terms refer to different ideas: self object relates to someone who sustains the self’s cohesion, formation of identity concerns developing a sense of self, and narcissistic personality describes a pattern or disorder centered on grandiosity and self-focus. The concept described here is object constancy.

Object constancy is the ability to hold a stable mental image of an object even when it isn’t physically present. This allows you to keep the sense that the object continues to exist, respond, and be available in some way during absence, supporting emotional continuity and relational trust. In therapy, this means clients can maintain connections to important figures or objects and anticipate their presence even when they’re not in view, which helps with regulation and security. The other terms refer to different ideas: self object relates to someone who sustains the self’s cohesion, formation of identity concerns developing a sense of self, and narcissistic personality describes a pattern or disorder centered on grandiosity and self-focus. The concept described here is object constancy.