What do object relations theorists emphasize as a basic inborn drive?

Object relations theorists emphasize that the fundamental inborn drive is the formation of object-seeking relationships with others. This perspective is rooted in the understanding that human beings are inherently social and that our psychological development is largely shaped by our interactions with significant others throughout our early life, primarily during the infancy and childhood stages.

From this viewpoint, "objects" refer to significant people in one’s environment, particularly caregivers. The relationships formed with these objects are crucial for developing a sense of self and an understanding of the world. These theorists argue that the desire for connection, attachment, and relational experiences drives individuals to seek out and organize their experiences around these interpersonal connections and relationships, facilitating emotional and psychological growth.

This focus on relationships differs from other psychological constructs; for instance, cognitive development pertains to the acquisition of knowledge and skills, while emotional intelligence relates to recognizing and managing one's emotions and the emotions of others. Self-actualization, a concept derived from humanistic psychology, centers around the realization of one's potential and personal growth but does not prioritize relational dynamics as central to psychological development in the same way that object relations theory does.