On Kohut and Bowbly

Running Head: Theory Paper

Theory Paper: Kohut and Bowlby

Jeffrey A. Suiter

John F. Kennedy University

December 12, 2013

PSD7122

Dr. A. Estrada

Theory Paper: Kohut and Bowlby

When attempting to determine the cause of any particular mental disorder, understand the patient developmental history (i.e. interpersonal or intimate relationships, traumatic life events, and moments of profound comfort or safety) as it relates to diagnosing or conflict is critical. This fundamental knowledge helps inform therapeutic treatment and helps facilitate the level of depth into a patient intrapshyic process. Sigmund Freud, psychoanalytic pioneer, created the psychological method of inquiry that explores the depth of one’s developmental history, which we now formally refer to as psychodynamic or analytic psychotherapy. Since Freud’s early concept on the inner workings of human consciousness, his successors have continue to add to his body of work providing richer insights and theories on human psychological development and the significance of early childhood relationships. Heniz Kohut and John Bowlby are but two psychoanalytic theorists who have contributed to Freud’s constellation of the dynamics involved in human consciousness. While Freud’s theories on psychosexual development differ tremendously from the works of Kohut and Bowlby, it is nevertheless important to mention his contribution to this field of thought because it speaks to principals of both Kohut’s self-psychology theory and Bowlby’s attachment orientation. In other words, in order to fully understand either Bowlby or Kohut’s works you must trace their developmental history, which began with Freud.

Kohut and Bowlby’s theories on the psychological development of internal drives, fundamentally parallel one another. Both theorists suggest that the psychological “self” develops in the context of its relationship with other. They argue that relational experiences from early childhood to early adolescents...