Abstract
Recent observational research on infants, particularly that reported by Daniel Stern, challenges some of the basic assumptions of traditional psychodynamic developmental theory. Specifically, Stern takes issue with Margaret Mahler's formulation of separation-individuation and proposes an alternative conceptual framework for charting early development. The purpose of this article is to compare Mahler's and Stern's theories in terms of their epistemology and assumptions, research methods, and developmental schemata. This comparison suggests that, although they appear polarized, the two researchers' ideas can be integrated in ways that enrich social work theory-building and practice.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Appelbaum, S. A. (1975). The idealization of insight.International Journal of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 4, 272–302.
Blanck, G., & Blanck, R. (1980). Separation-Individuation: An organizing principle. In R. F. Lax, S. Bach, & J. A. Burland (Eds.),Rapprochement: The critical subphase of separation-individuation (pp. 101–116). New York: Jason Aronson.
Blanck, R., & Blanck, G. (1986).Beyond ego psychology: Developmental object relations theory. New York: Columbia University Press.
Brazelton, T. B. (1980, May).New knowledge about the infant from current research: Implications for psychoanalysis. Paper presented at the American Psychoanalytic Association meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Brazelton, T. B. (1982). Joint regulation of neonate-parent behavior. In E. Tronick. (Ed.),Social interchange in infancy. Baltimore, MD: University Park Press.
Emde, R. (1981). Changing models of infancy and the nature of early development: Remodeling the foundation.Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 29, 179–220.
Emde, R. (1988). Review ofThe interpersonal world of the infant.Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 36, 228–235.
Friedlander, B. Z. (1970). Receptive language development in infancy.Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 16, 7–51.
Greenberg, J. R., & Mitchell, S. A. (1983).Object relations in psychoanalytic theory. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Hartmann, H. (1958).Ego psychology and the problem of adaptation. New York: International Universities Press.
Kaplan, L. (1987). The interpersonal world of the infant: A symposium.Contemporary Psychoanlaysis, 23, 27–44.
Katz, L. (1987). The interpersonal world of the infant: A symposium.Contemporary Psychoanlaysis, 23, 17–26.
Kohut, H. (1971).The analysis of the self. New York: International Universities Press.
Kohut, H. (1977).The restoration of the self. New York: International Universities Press.
Lichtenberg, J. D. (1983).Psychoanlaysis and infant research. Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press.
Mahler, M. (1946). Ego psychology applied to behavior problems. In N. D. C. Lewis & B. L. Pacella (Eds.),Modern trends in child psychiatry. New York: International Universities Press.
Mahler, M. Pine, F., & Bergman, A. (1975).The psychological birth of the human infant. New York: Basic Books.
Saari, C. (1987). Different perspectives: A review of some current literature.Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 4, 71–77.
Sheiner, M. (1988). Review ofThe interpersonal world of the infant.Clinical Social Work Journal, 16, 105–109.
Spiegel, S. (1987). The interpersonal world of the infant: A symposium.Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 23, 6–17.
Stern, A. (1987). The interpersonal world of the infant: A symposium.Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 23, 57–59.
Stern, D. (1985).The interpersonal world of the infant. New York: Basic Books.
Sullivan, H. S. (1953).The interpersonal theory of psychiatry. New York: Norton.
Winnicott, D. W. (1953). Transitional objects and transitional phenomena.International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 34, 89–97.
Wolff, P. (1966).The causes, controls and organization of behavior in the neonate. Monograph 17. New York: International Universities Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Applegate, J.S. Mahler and Stern: Irreconcilable differences?. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 6, 163–173 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755845
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755845