Object Relations in Severe Trauma: Psychotherapy of the Sexually Abused Child

Prior, a therapist for sexually abused children, outlines an object relational theory of the consequences of sexual traumatization in children. The theory is based on his intensive psychotherapeutic treatment of seriously disturbed boys who suffered multiple forms of neglect and abuse. Drawing on the work of W.R.D. Fairbairn, Bernhard Berliner, and Rudolf Ekstein, he analyzes the psychological response to trauma in terms of the repetition of abusive patterns of relationship, identification with the aggressor, self-blame, and the seeking of object contact through sexuality or violence. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR