SELFOBJECT FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY - IMPLICATIONS FOR FAMILY-THERAPY

The application of Self-Psychology theory to family functioning adds t o our models of understanding and intervention in family therapy. This article develops a theory of the family as a supraordinate selfobject and explores diverse clinical applications of the theory. The family as a selfobject matrix enhances the self development of the child by t he provision of continuity through the maintenance of proximity over t ime, and by an enhanced quality and quantity of selfobject responsiven ess for the individual. This application of Self Psychology theory has wide implications for family therapy with children in foster care, fa mily therapy with elderly couples coping with dementia in one spouse, and family therapy as a component of treatment with suicidal adolescen ts.