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Margaret Mahler

Definition:

Margaret Mahler was a renowned psychoanalyst known for her work on child development and separation-individuation theory. She focused on how infants and young children develop a sense of self and a secure attachment to their primary caregivers. Mahler's observations and theories have had a significant impact on the field of psychology and continue to influence research in child development today.

The Concept: Margaret Mahler

Margaret Mahler was a renowned psychoanalyst who made significant contributions to the field of child development and psychology. Her work focused on understanding early stages of infantile development and the importance of separation-individuation processes in the formation of a child's sense of self.

Key Players in the Field of Psychoanalysis:

As one of the pioneers of object relations theory, Mahler emphasized the role of early relationships with caregivers in shaping an individual's personality and emotional well-being. She introduced the concept of the "Mahlerian Phase" to describe the stages of psychological development that infants go through as they learn to differentiate themselves from their primary caregivers.

Central to Mahler's theory is the idea that healthy development requires a gradual separation from the mother and the establishment of a sense of self as a separate individual. She believed that disturbances in this process could lead to a range of psychological issues in later life, including difficulties in forming relationships and establishing a cohesive identity.

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