Klein vs. Erikson Debate

Jamie Salas, Jessica Borrero, Melondy Moore, Reshunna Robbins, Roxanne Luck, Shayna Parks

6/29/15

PSY-405

Patti Toler

Roxanne - In this debate we are going to argue the applications of Melanie Klein’s Objection Relations Theory and Erik Erikson’s Post-Freudian Theory in regards to their describing of individual personality characteristics along with interpersonal relations.

Team Klein will begin the debate:

Jessica - On the positive aspects of Klein’s object theory on individual personality characteristics is how an infant’s experience can shape their future personality. One is the object of the breast, which later perceives total control and this drives satisfaction called the id. According to Burch (1988), “Good experiences or phantasies of the breast are split off from bad ones and internalized”. These experiences help shape the relationship with others in adulthood. Interpersonal relations with the object of the breast create love, comfort and gratification towards the mother, and others. A tendency to relate these feeling with others can create a good structure of positive relationships and fantasy-like quality of life.

Team Erikson will now oppose:

Melondy - Klein did face some criticism from others about her theory and the techniques that she used. She started her study by working with children but found out that this technique had its downfalls due to the fact that the children were limited in the verbal department and unable to communicate as an adult would. Klein attributed too many complex fantasies to infants and what occurs in the first years of their life. It was also felt that Klein used too much emphasis on death instinct and the derivative aggression that it drove. Critics felt that the actual external environment was down played and not emphasized enough, and