Access Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Date of Award
January 2021
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Mark Lumley
Abstract
The current study examines the relationship between object relations and psychopathology among patients entering a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Program. Patients’ object relations were assessed through their Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) responses using the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale – Global (SCORS-G). Results indicate that the Affective – Relational component of patients’ object relations is a central component to borderline pathology with those having more pathological object relations within this domain also having higher levels of affective instability, impulsivity, intense anger, and fear of abandonment. Whereas, the other component of patients’ object relations, the Cognitive – Structural component, was not related to higher levels of borderline pathology. Future research may examine ways in which clinicians can utilize object relations to provide more effective treatment to those with borderline pathology.
Recommended Citation
Marshall, Liyah Monique, "The Relationship Of Object Relations As Assessed By The Thematic Appreception Test To Psychopathology Among Patients Entering A Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Program" (2021). Wayne State University Theses. 885.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_theses/885